Structural and electronic properties of carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy resins.

PubMed

Suggs, Kelvin; Wang, Xiao-Qian

2010-03-01

Nanocomposites of cured epoxy resin reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes exhibit a plethora of interesting behaviors at the molecular level. We have employed a combination of force-field-based molecular mechanics and first-principles calculations to study the corresponding binding and charge-transfer behavior. The simulation study of various nanotube species and curing agent configurations provides insight into the optimal structures in lieu of interfacial stability. An analysis of charge distributions of the epoxy functionalized semiconducting and metallic tubes reveals distinct level hybridizations. The implications of these results for understanding dispersion mechanism and future nano reinforced composite developments are discussed.

Dynamic mechanical analysis of carbon nanotube-reinforced nanocomposites.

PubMed

Her, Shiuh-Chuan; Lin, Kuan-Yu

2017-06-16

To predict the mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-reinforced polymers, it is necessary to understand the role of the nanotube-polymer interface with regard to load transfer and the formation of the interphase region. The main objective of this study was to explore and attempt to clarify the reinforcement mechanisms of MWCNTs in epoxy matrix. Nanocomposites were fabricated by adding different amounts of MWCNTs to epoxy resin. Tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were conducted to investigate the effect of MWCNT contents on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of nanocomposites. Compared with the neat epoxy, nanocomposite reinforced with 1 wt% of MWCNTs exhibited an increase of 152% and 54% in Young's modulus and tensile strength, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrates that both the storage modulus and glass transition temperature tend to increase with the addition of MWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations reveal that uniform dispersion and strong interfacial adhesion between the MWCNTs and epoxy are achieved, resulting in the improvement of mechanical properties and thermal stability as compared with neat epoxy.

Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Thermotropic Liquid Crystal Polymer Nanocomposites

PubMed Central

Kim, Jun Young

2009-01-01

This paper focuses on the fabrication via simple melt blending of thermotropic liquid crystal polyester (TLCP) nanocomposites reinforced with a very small quantity of modified carbon nanotube (CNT) and the unique effects of the modified CNT on the physical properties of the nanocomposites. The thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of modified CNT-reinforced TLCP nanocomposites are highly dependent on the uniform dispersion of CNT and the interactions between the CNT and TLCP, which can be enhanced by chemical modification of the CNT, providing a design guide of CNT-reinforced TLCP nanocomposites with great potential for industrial uses.

Dynamic Response of Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Sandwich Plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehar, Kulmani; Panda, Subrata Kumar

2018-03-01

In this article, the dynamic response of the carbon nanotube-reinforced functionally graded sandwich composite plate has been studied numerically with the help of finite element method. The face sheets of the sandwich composite plate are made of carbon nanotube- reinforced composite for two different grading patterns whereas the core phase is taken as isotropic material. The final properties of the structure are calculated using the rule of mixture. The geometrical model of the sandwich plate is developed and discretized suitably with the help of available shell element in ANSYS library. Subsequently, the corresponding numerical dynamic responses computed via batch input technique (parametric design language code in ANSYS) of ANSYS including Newmark’s integration scheme. The stability of the sandwich structural numerical model is established through the proper convergence study. Further, the reliability of the sandwich model is checked by comparison study between present and available results from references. As a final point, some numerical problems have been solved to examine the effect of different design constraints (carbon nanotube distribution pattern, core to face thickness ratio, volume fractions of the nanotube, length to thickness ratio, aspect ratio and constraints at edges) on the time-responses of sandwich plate.

Electrochemical preparation of vertically aligned, hollow CdSe nanotubes and their p-n junction hybrids with electrodeposited Cu2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Debgupta, Joyashish; Devarapalli, Ramireddy; Rahman, Shakeelur; Shelke, Manjusha V.; Pillai, Vijayamohanan K.

2014-07-01

Vertically aligned, hollow nanotubes of CdSe are grown on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates by ZnO nanowire template-assisted electrodeposition technique, followed by selective removal of the ZnO core using NH4OH. A detailed mechanism of nucleation and anisotropic growth kinetics of nanotubes have been studied by a combination of characterization tools such as chronoamperometry, SEM and TEM. Interestingly, ``as grown'' CdSe nanotubes (CdSe NTs) on FTO coated glass plates behave as n-type semiconductors exhibiting an excellent photo-response (with a generated photocurrent density value of ~470 μA cm-2) while in contact with p-type Cu2O (p-type semiconductor, grown separately on FTO plates) because of the formation of a n-p heterojunction (type II). The observed photoresponse is 3 times higher than that of a similar device prepared with electrodeposited CdSe films (not nanotubes) and Cu2O on FTO. This has been attributed to the hollow 1-D nature of CdSe NTs, which provides enhanced inner and outer surface areas for better absorption of light and also assists faster transport of photogenerated charge carriers.Vertically aligned, hollow nanotubes of CdSe are grown on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates by ZnO nanowire template-assisted electrodeposition technique, followed by selective removal of the ZnO core using NH4OH. A detailed mechanism of nucleation and anisotropic growth kinetics of nanotubes have been studied by a combination of characterization tools such as chronoamperometry, SEM and TEM. Interestingly, ``as grown'' CdSe nanotubes (CdSe NTs) on FTO coated glass plates behave as n-type semiconductors exhibiting an excellent photo-response (with a generated photocurrent density value of ~470 μA cm-2) while in contact with p-type Cu2O (p-type semiconductor, grown separately on FTO plates) because of the formation of a n-p heterojunction (type II). The observed photoresponse is 3 times higher than that of a similar

N-doped carbon nanotubes-reinforced hollow fiber solid-phase microextraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography for the determination of phytohormones in tomatoes.

PubMed

Han, Xiao-Fei; Chen, Juan; Shi, Yan-Ping

2018-08-01

A N-doped carbon nanotubes-reinforced hollow fiber solid-phase microextraction (N-doped CNTs-HF-SPME) method was developed for determination of two naphthalene-derived phytohormones, 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2-naphthoxyacetic acid (2-NOA), at trace levels in tomatoes. N-doped CNTs were dispersed in ultrapure water with the assistance of surfactant, and then immobilized into the pores of hollow fiber by capillary forces and sonification. The resultant N-doped CNTs-HF was wetted with 1-octanol, subsequently immersed into the tomato samples to extract the target analytes under a magnetic stirring, and then desorbed with methanol by sonication prior to chromatographic analysis. Compared with CNTs, the surface hydrophilicity of N-doped CNTs was improved owing to the doping of nitrogen atoms, and a uniform dispersion was formed, thus greatly simplifying the preparation process and reducing waste of materials. In addition, N-doped CNTs-HF exhibits a more effective extraction performance for NAA and 2-NOA on account of the introduction of Lewis-basic nitrogen. It is worth to mention that owing to the clean-up function of HF, there are not any complicated sample pretreatment procedures prior to the microextraction. To achieve the highest extraction efficiency, important microextraction parameters including the length and the concentration level of N-doped CNTs in surfactant solution, extraction time, desorption conditions such as the type and volume of solvents, pH value, stirring rate and volume of the donor phase were thoroughly investigated and optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the method showed 165- and 123-fold enrichment factors of NAA and 2-NOA, good inter-fiber repeatability and batch-to-batch reproducibility, good linearity with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9990, low limits of detection and quantification (at ng g -1 levels), and satisfactory recoveries in the range of 83.10-108.32% at three spiked levels. The proposed method taking

Mechanical properties of hollow and water-filled graphyne nanotube and carbon nanotube hybrid structure.

PubMed

Lei, Guangping; Zhang, Yayun; Liu, Hantao; Song, Fenhong

2018-05-11

By performing molecular dynamics simulations, a GNT/CNT hybrid structure constructed via combing (6, 6) graphyne nanotube (GNT) with (6, 6) carbon nanotube (CNT) has been designed and investigated. The mechanical properties induced by the percentage of GNT, water content and electric field were examined. Calculation results reveal that the fracture strain and strength of hollow hybrid structure are remarkably smaller than that of perfect (6, 6) CNT. In addition, the Young's modulus decreases monotonously with the increase of percentage of GNT. More importantly, the tunable mechanical properties of hybrid structure can be achieved through filling with water molecules and applying an electric field along tensile direction. Specifically, increasing water content from 0.0 to 8.70 mmol g -1 in the absence of electric field could result in fracture strain and strength reducing by 15.09% and 12.87%, respectively. Besides, enhancing fracture strain and strength of water-filled hybrid structure with water content of 8.70 mmol g -1 can also be obtained with rising electric field intensity. These findings would provide a valuable theoretical basis for designing and fabricating a nanodevice with controllable mechanical performances.

Mechanical properties of hollow and water-filled graphyne nanotube and carbon nanotube hybrid structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Guangping; Zhang, Yayun; Liu, Hantao; Song, Fenhong

2018-05-01

By performing molecular dynamics simulations, a GNT/CNT hybrid structure constructed via combing (6, 6) graphyne nanotube (GNT) with (6, 6) carbon nanotube (CNT) has been designed and investigated. The mechanical properties induced by the percentage of GNT, water content and electric field were examined. Calculation results reveal that the fracture strain and strength of hollow hybrid structure are remarkably smaller than that of perfect (6, 6) CNT. In addition, the Young’s modulus decreases monotonously with the increase of percentage of GNT. More importantly, the tunable mechanical properties of hybrid structure can be achieved through filling with water molecules and applying an electric field along tensile direction. Specifically, increasing water content from 0.0 to 8.70 mmol g-1 in the absence of electric field could result in fracture strain and strength reducing by 15.09% and 12.87%, respectively. Besides, enhancing fracture strain and strength of water-filled hybrid structure with water content of 8.70 mmol g-1 can also be obtained with rising electric field intensity. These findings would provide a valuable theoretical basis for designing and fabricating a nanodevice with controllable mechanical performances.

Synthesis of Hollow Nanotubes of Zn2SiO4 or SiO2: Mechanistic Understanding and Uranium Adsorption Behavior.

PubMed

Tripathi, Shalini; Bose, Roopa; Roy, Ahin; Nair, Sajitha; Ravishankar, N

2015-12-09

We report a facile synthesis of Zn2SiO4 nanotubes using a two-step process consisting of a wet-chemical synthesis of core-shell ZnO@SiO2 nanorods followed by thermal annealing. While annealing in air leads to the formation of hollow Zn2SiO4, annealing under reducing atmosphere leads to the formation of SiO2 nanotubes. We rationalize the formation of the silicate phase at temperatures much lower than the temperatures reported in the literature based on the porous nature of the silica shell on the ZnO nanorods. We present results from in situ transmission electron microscopy experiments to clearly show void nucleation at the interface between ZnO and the silica shell and the growth of the silicate phase by the Kirkendall effect. The porous nature of the silica shell is also responsible for the etching of the ZnO leading to the formation of silica nanotubes under reducing conditions. Both the hollow silica and silicate nanotubes exhibit good uranium sorption at different ranges of pH making them possible candidates for nuclear waste management.

Electrochemical preparation of vertically aligned, hollow CdSe nanotubes and their p-n junction hybrids with electrodeposited Cu2O.

PubMed

Debgupta, Joyashish; Devarapalli, Ramireddy; Rahman, Shakeelur; Shelke, Manjusha V; Pillai, Vijayamohanan K

2014-08-07

Vertically aligned, hollow nanotubes of CdSe are grown on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates by ZnO nanowire template-assisted electrodeposition technique, followed by selective removal of the ZnO core using NH4OH. A detailed mechanism of nucleation and anisotropic growth kinetics of nanotubes have been studied by a combination of characterization tools such as chronoamperometry, SEM and TEM. Interestingly, "as grown" CdSe nanotubes (CdSe NTs) on FTO coated glass plates behave as n-type semiconductors exhibiting an excellent photo-response (with a generated photocurrent density value of ∼ 470 μA cm(-2)) while in contact with p-type Cu2O (p-type semiconductor, grown separately on FTO plates) because of the formation of a n-p heterojunction (type II). The observed photoresponse is 3 times higher than that of a similar device prepared with electrodeposited CdSe films (not nanotubes) and Cu2O on FTO. This has been attributed to the hollow 1-D nature of CdSe NTs, which provides enhanced inner and outer surface areas for better absorption of light and also assists faster transport of photogenerated charge carriers.

Optimization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes reinforced hollow-fiber solid-liquid-phase microextraction for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental water samples using experimental design.

PubMed

Hamedi, Raheleh; Hadjmohammadi, Mohammad Reza

2017-09-01

A novel design of hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes as a solid sorbent, which is immobilized in the pore and lumen of hollow fiber by the sol-gel technique, was developed for the pre-concentration and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental water samples. The proposed method utilized both solid- and liquid-phase microextraction media. Parameters that affect the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were optimized in two successive steps as follows. Firstly, a methodology based on a quarter factorial design was used to choose the significant variables. Then, these significant factors were optimized utilizing central composite design. Under the optimized condition (extraction time = 25 min, amount of multiwalled carbon nanotubes = 78 mg, sample volume = 8 mL, and desorption time = 5 min), the calibration curves showed high linearity (R 2  = 0.99) in the range of 0.01-500 ng/mL and the limits of detection were in the range of 0.007-1.47 ng/mL. The obtained extraction recoveries for 10 ng/mL of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons standard solution were in the range of 85-92%. Replicating the experiment under these conditions five times gave relative standard deviations lower than 6%. Finally, the method was successfully applied for pre-concentration and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental water samples. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pull-out simulations of a capped carbon nanotube in carbon nanotube-reinforced nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y.; Liu, S.; Hu, N.; Han, X.; Zhou, L.; Ning, H.; Wu, L.; Alamusi, Yamamoto, G.; Chang, C.; Hashida, T.; Atobe, S.; Fukunaga, H.

2013-04-01

Systematic atomic simulations based on molecular mechanics were conducted to investigate the pull-out behavior of a capped carbon nanotube (CNT) in CNT-reinforced nanocomposites. Two common cases were studied: the pull-out of a complete CNT from a polymer matrix in a CNT/polymer nanocomposite and the pull-out of the broken outer walls of a CNT from the intact inner walls (i.e., the sword-in-sheath mode) in a CNT/alumina nanocomposite. By analyzing the obtained relationship between the energy increment (i.e., the difference in the potential energy between two consecutive pull-out steps) and the pull-out displacement, a set of simple empirical formulas based on the nanotube diameter was developed to predict the corresponding pull-out force. The predictions from these formulas are quite consistent with the experimental results. Moreover, the much higher pull-out force for a capped CNT than that of the corresponding open-ended CNT implies a significant contribution from the CNT cap to the interfacial properties of the CNT-reinforced nanocomposites. This finding provides a valuable insight for designing nanocomposites with desirable mechanical properties.

Pull-out simulations of a capped carbon nanotube in carbon nanotube-reinforced nanocomposites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Y.; Liu, S.; Hu, N.

2013-04-14

Systematic atomic simulations based on molecular mechanics were conducted to investigate the pull-out behavior of a capped carbon nanotube (CNT) in CNT-reinforced nanocomposites. Two common cases were studied: the pull-out of a complete CNT from a polymer matrix in a CNT/polymer nanocomposite and the pull-out of the broken outer walls of a CNT from the intact inner walls (i.e., the sword-in-sheath mode) in a CNT/alumina nanocomposite. By analyzing the obtained relationship between the energy increment (i.e., the difference in the potential energy between two consecutive pull-out steps) and the pull-out displacement, a set of simple empirical formulas based on themore » nanotube diameter was developed to predict the corresponding pull-out force. The predictions from these formulas are quite consistent with the experimental results. Moreover, the much higher pull-out force for a capped CNT than that of the corresponding open-ended CNT implies a significant contribution from the CNT cap to the interfacial properties of the CNT-reinforced nanocomposites. This finding provides a valuable insight for designing nanocomposites with desirable mechanical properties.« less

Hypervelocity Impact Studies of Carbon Nanotubes and Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khatiwada, Suman

This dissertation studies the hypervelocity impact characteristics of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and investigates the use of CNTs as reinforcements in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber composites for hypervelocity impact shielding applications. The first part of this dissertation is aimed at developing an understanding of the hypervelocity impact response of CNTs--at the nanotube level. Impact experiments are designed with CNTs as projectiles to impact and crater aluminum plates. The results show that carbon nanotubes are resistant to the high-energy shock pressures and the ultra-high strain loading during hypervelocity impacts. Under our experimental conditions, single-walled carbon nanotubes survive impacts up to 4.07 km/s, but transform to graphitic ribbons and nanodiamonds at higher impact velocities. The nanodiamonds are metastable and transform to onion-like nanocarbon over time. Double-walled carbon nanotubes retain their form and structure even at impacts over 7 km/s. Higher hypervelocity impact resistance of DWCNTs could be attributed to the absorption of additional energy due to relative motion between the layers in the transverse direction of these coaxial nanotubes. The second part of this dissertation researches the effect of reinforcement of carbon nanotubes and their buckypapers on the hypervelocity impact shielding properties of UHMWPE-fiber composites arranged in a Whipple Shield configuration (a shield design used for the protection of the international space station from hypervelocity impacts by orbital debris). Composite laminates were prepared via compression molding and nanotube buckypapers via vacuum filtration. Dispersed nanotubes were introduced to the composite laminates via direct spraying onto the fabric prior to composite processing. The experimental results show that nanotubes dispersed in polymer matrix do not affect the hypervelocity impact resistance of the composite system. Nanotube buckypapers, however, improve

New generation fiber reinforced polymer composites incorporating carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soliman, Eslam

The last five decades observed an increasing use of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites as alternative construction materials for aerospace and infrastructure. The high specific strength of FRP attracted its use as non-corrosive reinforcement. However, FRP materials were characterized with a relatively low ductility and low shear strength compared with steel reinforcement. On the other hand, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been introduced in the last decade as a material with minimal defect that is capable of increasing the mechanical properties of polymer matrices. This dissertation reports experimental investigations on the use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to produce a new generation of FRP composites. The experiments showed significant improvements in the flexure properties of the nanocomposite when functionalized MWCNTs were used. In addition, MWCNTs were used to produce FRP composites in order to examine static, dynamic, and creep behavior. The MWCNTs improved the off-axis tension, off-axis flexure, FRP lap shear joint responses. In addition, they reduced the creep of FRP-concrete interface, enhanced the fracture toughness, and altered the impact resistance significantly. In general, the MWCNTs are found to affect the behaviour of the FRP composites when matrix failure dominates the behaviour. The improvement in the mechanical response with the addition of low contents of MWCNTs would benefit many industrial and military applications such as strengthening structures using FRP composites, composite pipelines, aircrafts, and armoured vehicles.

Rational design of template-free MnOx-CeO2 hollow nanotube as de-NOx catalyst at low temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chenlu; Tang, Xiaolong; Yi, Honghong; Wang, Lifeng; Cui, Xiaoxu; Chu, Chao; Li, Jingying; Zhang, Runcao; Yu, Qingjun

2018-01-01

MnOx-CeO2 hollow nanotube was synthesized for the low temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with NH3. The nanotube was fabricated firstly through the interfacial oxidation-reduction reaction by dealing the Ce(OH)CO3 intermediate with KMnO4 aqueous solution, then followed by selective wash with HNO3. The catalysts were systematically examined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, NH3 temperature-programmed desorption measurements and catalytic activity test. It was found that the as-prepared MnOx-CeO2-B nanotube exhibited best NOx removal efficiency among the catalysts investigated, where 96% NOx conversion at 100 °C at a space velocity of 30000 h-1 was obtained. Meanwhile, superior resistance to H2O and SO2 was achieved as well as high thermal stability. On the basis of various analysis results, the remarkable de-NOx performance of the MnOx-CeO2-B nanobube could be attributed to the uniform distribution of active species, abundant content of Mn4+ and Oα species, and especially the hollow porous architectures provided huge specific surface area and sufficient acidic sites.

The formation of hollow poly(methyl methacrylate)/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite cylinders by microwave irradiation.

PubMed

Wang, Huan; Feng, Jiyun; Hu, Xijun; Ming Ng, Ka

2009-03-04

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposite particles with 1, 2 and 4 wt% of MWCNTs were prepared by mechanical grinding of PMMA and MWCNT powders in a mortar at room temperature. Both scanning electron microscopy and Raman scattering characterizations revealed that these nanocomposite particles consist of a PMMA core and a MWCNT shell. The PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite particles were used to fabricate the corresponding nanocomposites in the form of a hollow cylinder with various diameters and heights under 700 W microwave irradiation within 1 min. A mechanism for the fast microwave assisted forming process is proposed. These experimental results may lead to a new technology for forming hollow polymeric articles that is different from the conventional injection and blowing process.

An efficient approach to selective electromembrane extraction of naproxen by means of molecularly imprinted polymer-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes-reinforced hollow fibers.

PubMed

Tahmasebi, Zeinab; Davarani, Saied Saeed Hosseiny; Asgharinezhad, Ali Akbar

2016-10-28

In this work, a novel microextraction technique using molecularly imprinted polymer-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MIP-MWCNTs) in electromembrane extraction (EME) procedure is described. The method in combination with HPLC-UV was utilized to determine naproxen, as an acidic model drug, in urine, plasma and wastewater samples. For this purpose, MIP-MWCNTs were placed in the pores of polypropylene hollow fiber. The MIP-MWCNTs-EME method has the advantages of high selectivity and cleanup of MIP along with high enrichment ability of the EME in a single step extraction. Continuing with the research, optimization of the factors affecting the migration of naproxen from sample solutions to MIP-MWCNTs sites and then into the lumen of hollow fiber was explored. Under the optimized conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) of the developed method was calculated to be 0.3μgL -1 . All relative standard deviations (RSDs) were lower than 3%. Linearity of the method was obtained within the range of 1-1000μgL -1 with the coefficient of determination (r 2 ) being higher than 0.999. Under the optimized conditions, an extraction recovery of 66% was obtained, which corresponded to a preconcentration factor of 88. Finally, the developed method was satisfactorily used to determine naproxen in urine, plasma and wastewater samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modified Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes for Reinforce Thermoplastic Polyimide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebron-COlon, Marisabel; Meador, Michael A.

2006-01-01

A significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the thermoplastic polyimide film was obtained by the addition of noncovalently functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Polyimide films were reinforced using pristine SWNTs and functionalized SWNTs (F-SWNTs). The tensile strengths of the polyimide films containing F-SWNTs were found to be approximately 1.4 times higher than those prepared from pristine SWNTs.

Carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum based nanocomposite fabricated by thermal spray forming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laha, Tapas

The present research concentrates on the fabrication of bulk aluminum matrix nanocomposite structures with carbon nanotube reinforcement. The objective of the work was to fabricate and characterize multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced hypereutectic Al-Si (23 wt% Si, 2 wt% Ni, 1 wt% Cu, rest Al) nanocomposite bulk structure with nanocrystalline matrix through thermal spray forming techniques viz. plasma spray forming (PSF) and high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) spray forming. This is the first research study, which has shown that thermal spray forming can be successfully used to synthesize carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites. Microstructural characterization based on quantitative microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms (i) retention and macro/sub-macro level homogenous distribution of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in the Al-Si matrix and (ii) evolution of nanostructured grains in the matrix. Formation of ultrathin beta-SiC layer on MWCNT surface, due to chemical reaction of Si atoms diffusing from Al-Si alloy and C atoms from the outer walls of MWCNTs has been confirmed theoretically and experimentally. The presence of SiC layer at the interface improves the wettability and the interfacial adhesion between the MWCNT reinforcement and the Al-Si matrix. Sintering of the as-sprayed nanocomposites was carried out in an inert environment for further densification. As-sprayed PSF nanocomposite showed lower microhardness compared to HVOF, due to the higher porosity content and lower residual stress. The hardness of the nanocomposites increased with sintering time due to effective pore removal. Uniaxial tensile test on CNT-bulk nanocomposite was carried out, which is the first ever study of such nature. The tensile test results showed inconsistency in the data attributed to inhomogeneous

Nanotube Reinforcement of Adhesively Bonded Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. S.; Saltysiak, Bethany

2002-01-01

Over the past five years there has been much excitement about the development of nanotubes and nanofibers and the potential that these materials may offer in enhancing electrical and mechanical properties of systems. The purpose of this paper is to present research into improving the mechanical performance of polymers by using nanofibers as a reinforcement to make high performance composite materials. This paper will present theoretical predictions of the composite modulus and then present the actual performance of the composite. Fabrication details will be given along with photos of the microstructure. The matrix material is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and the nanofibers are vapor-grown carbon nanofibers produced by Pyrograph Products, Inc.

Nanotube Reinforcement of Adhesively Bonded Joints

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. S.; Saltysiak, Bethany

2003-01-01

Over the past five years there has been much excitement about the development of nanotubes and nanofibers and the potential that these materials may offer in enhancing electrical and mechanical properties of systems. The purpose of this paper is to present research into improving the mechanical performance of polymers by using nanofibers as a reinforcement to make high performance composite materials. This paper will present theoretical predictions of the composite modulus and then present the actual performance of the composite. Fabrication details will be given along with photos of the microstructure. The matrix material is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and the nanofibers are vapor-grown carbon nanofibers produced by Pyrograph Products, Inc.

Self-healing in single and multiple fiber(s) reinforced polymer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woldesenbet, E.

2010-06-01

You Polymer composites have been attractive medium to introduce the autonomic healing concept into modern day engineering materials. To date, there has been significant research in self-healing polymeric materials including several studies specifically in fiber reinforced polymers. Even though several methods have been suggested in autonomic healing materials, the concept of repair by bleeding of enclosed functional agents has garnered wide attention by the scientific community. A self-healing fiber reinforced polymer composite has been developed. Tensile tests are carried out on specimens that are fabricated by using the following components: hollow and solid glass fibers, healing agent, catalysts, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and a polymer resin matrix. The test results have demonstrated that single fiber polymer composites and multiple fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites with healing agents and catalysts have provided 90.7% and 76.55% restoration of the original tensile strength, respectively. Incorporation of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the healing medium of the single fiber polymer composite has provided additional efficiency. Healing is found to be localized, allowing multiple healing in the presence of several cracks.

Pre-treatment of multi-walled carbon nanotubes for polyetherimide mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes.

PubMed

Goh, P S; Ng, B C; Ismail, A F; Aziz, M; Hayashi, Y

2012-11-15

Mixed matrix hollow fibers composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and polyetherimide (PEI) were fabricated. Pre-treatment of MWCNTs was carried out prior to the incorporation into the polymer matrix using a simple and feasible two stages approach that involved dry air oxidation and surfactant dispersion. The characterizations of the surface treated MWCNTs using TEM and Raman spectroscopy have evidenced the effectiveness of dry air oxidation in eliminating undesired amorphous carbon and metal catalyst while surfactant dispersion using Triton X100 has suppressed the agglomeration of MWCNTs. The resultant mixed matrix hollow fibers were applied for O(2)/N(2) pure gas separation. Interestingly, it was found that removal of disordered amorphous carbons and metal particles has allowed the hollow structures to be more accessible for the fast and smooth transport of gas molecules, hence resulted in noticeable improvement in the gas separation properties. The composite hollow fibers embedded with the surface modified MWCNTs showed increase in permeability as much as 60% while maintaining the selectivity of the O(2)/N(2) gas pair. This study highlights the necessity to establish an appropriate pre-treatment approach for MWCNTs in order to fully utilize the beneficial transport properties of this material in mixed matrix polymer nanocomposite for gas separation. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Air-gating and chemical-gating in transistors and sensing devices made from hollow TiO2 semiconductor nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alivov, Yahya; Funke, Hans; Nagpal, Prashant

2015-07-01

Rapid miniaturization of electronic devices down to the nanoscale, according to Moore’s law, has led to some undesirable effects like high leakage current in transistors, which can offset additional benefits from scaling down. Development of three-dimensional transistors, by spatial extension in the third dimension, has allowed higher contact area with a gate electrode and better control over conductivity in the semiconductor channel. However, these devices do not utilize the large surface area and interfaces for new electronic functionality. Here, we demonstrate air gating and chemical gating in hollow semiconductor nanotube devices and highlight the potential for development of novel transistors that can be modulated using channel bias, gate voltage, chemical composition, and concentration. Using chemical gating, we reversibly altered the conductivity of nanoscaled semiconductor nanotubes (10-500 nm TiO2 nanotubes) by six orders of magnitude, with a tunable rectification factor (ON/OFF ratio) ranging from 1-106. While demonstrated air- and chemical-gating speeds were slow here (˜seconds) due to the mechanical-evacuation rate and size of our chamber, the small nanoscale volume of these hollow semiconductors can enable much higher switching speeds, limited by the rate of adsorption/desorption of molecules at semiconductor interfaces. These chemical-gating effects are completely reversible, additive between different chemical compositions, and can enable semiconductor nanoelectronic devices for ‘chemical transistors’, ‘chemical diodes’, and very high-efficiency sensing applications.

Comparative Studies on Al-Based Composite Powder Reinforced with Nano Garnet and Multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basariya, M. Raviathul; Srivastava, V. C.; Mukhopadhyay, N. K.

2015-11-01

Effect of mechanical alloying/milling on microstructural evolution and hardness variations of garnet and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-reinforced Al-Mg-Si alloy (EN AW6082) composites are investigated. Structural and morphological studies revealed that the composite powders prepared by milling display a more homogenous distribution of the reinforcing particles. Improved nanoindentation hardness viz., 4.24 and 5.90 GPa are achieved for EN AW6082/Garnet and EN AW6082/MWCNTs composites, respectively, and it is attributed to severe deformation of the aluminum alloy powders and embedding of the harder reinforcement particles uniformly into the aluminum alloy matrix. However, enhancement in case of MWCNTs-reinforced composite makes apparent the effect of its nanosized uniform dispersion in the matrix, thereby resisting the plastic deformation at lower stress and increased dislocation density evolved during high-energy ball milling. The results of the present study indicate that carbon nanotubes and garnet can be effectively used as reinforcements for Al-based composites.

Porous wall hollow glass microspheres as a medium or substrate for storage and formation of novel materials

DOEpatents

Wicks, George G; Serkiz, Steven M.; Zidan, Ragaiy; Heung, Leung K.

2014-06-24

Porous wall hollow glass microspheres are provided as a template for formation of nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes, In addition, the carbon nanotubes in combination with the porous wall hollow glass microsphere provides an additional reaction template with respect to carbon nanotubes.

The mechanical properties measurement of multiwall carbon nanotube reinforced nanocrystalline aluminum matrix composite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sharma, Manjula, E-mail: manjula.physics@gmail.com; Pal, Hemant; Sharma, Vimal

Nanocrystalline aluminum matrix composite containing carbon nanotubes were fabricated using physical mixing method followed by cold pressing. The microstructure of the composite has been investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques. These studies revealed that the carbon nanotubes were homogeneously dispersed throughout the metal matrix. The consolidated samples were pressureless sintered in inert atmosphere to further actuate a strong interface between carbon nanotubes and aluminum matrix. The nanoindentation tests carried out on considered samples showed that with the addition of 0.5 wt% carbon nanotubes, the hardness and elastic modulus of the aluminum matrix increased bymore » 21.2 % and 2 % repectively. The scratch tests revealed a decrease in the friction coefficient of the carbon nanotubes reinforced composite due to the presence of lubricating interfacial layer. The prepared composites were promising entities to be used in the field of sporting goods, construction materials and automobile industries.« less

Multifunctional fiber reinforced polymer composites using carbon and boron nitride nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashrafi, Behnam; Jakubinek, Michael B.; Martinez-Rubi, Yadienka; Rahmat, Meysam; Djokic, Drazen; Laqua, Kurtis; Park, Daesun; Kim, Keun-Su; Simard, Benoit; Yousefpour, Ali

2017-12-01

Recent progress in nanotechnology has made several nano-based materials available with the potential to address limitations of conventional fiber reinforced polymer composites, particularly in reference to multifunctional structures. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the most prevalent case and offer amazing properties at the individual nanotube level. There are already a few high-profile examples of the use of CNTs in space structures to provide added electrical conductivity for static dissipation and electromagnetic shielding. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), which are structurally analogous to CNTs, also present a range of attractive properties. Like the more widely explored CNTs, individual BNNTs display remarkable mechanical properties and high thermal conductivity but with contrasting functional attributes including substantially higher thermal stability, high electrical insulation, polarizability, high neutron absorption and transparency to visible light. This presents the potential of employing either or both BNNTs and CNTs to achieve a range of lightweight, functional composites for space structures. Here we present the case for application of BNNTs, in addition to CNTs, in space structures and describe recent advances in BNNT production at the National Research Council Canada (NRC) that have, for the first time, provided sufficiently large quantities to enable commercialization of high-quality BNNTs and accelerate development of chemistry, composites and applications based on BNNTs. Early demonstrations showing the fabrication and limited structural testing of polymer matrix composites, including glass fiber-reinforced composite panels containing BNNTs will be discussed.

Characterization and modeling of viscoelastic behavior of carbon nanotube reinforced polymers: The influence of interphase and nanotube morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hua

The addition of nanoparticles into polymer materials has been observed to dramatically change the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and diffusion properties of the host polymers, promising a novel class of polymer matrix composite materials with superior properties and added functionalities that are ideal candidates in many applications, including aerospace, automobile, medical devices, and sporting goods. Understanding the behavior and underlying mechanisms of these polymer nanocomposites is critical. The research work presented in this dissertation represents one of the initial efforts in the long journey pursuing the ultimate understanding of nanoparticle reinforced polymer systems. Particular focal points are experimental evaluation and the development of appropriate modeling methods to capture the influence of the interphase on the overall viscoelastic behavior of carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nanocomposites. The first portion of this dissertation study investigates the viscoelastic behavior of MWCNT based PMMA nanocomposites, which complements our previous study of SWCNT/PMMA systems to confirm functionalization of nanotubes as an effective way to manipulate the interaction between nanotube and polymers and control the properties of the interphase region forming around the nanotubes and consequently change the overall performance of nanotube based polymer nanocomposites. In the second portion of this dissertation, we present a novel hybrid numerical-analytical modeling method that is capable of predicting viscoelastic behavior of multiphase polymer nanocomposites, in which the nanoscopic fillers can assume complex configurations. By combining the finite element technique and a micromechanical approach (particularly, the Mori-Tanaka method) with local phase properties, this method operates at low computational cost and effectively accounts for the influence of the interphase as well as in situ nanoparticle morphology. This modeling method is implemented

Elastomer Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hudson, Jared L.; Krishnamoorti, Ramanan

2009-01-01

Elastomers are reinforced with functionalized, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) giving them high-breaking strain levels and low densities. Cross-linked elastomers are prepared using amine-terminated, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), with an average molecular weight of 5,000 daltons, and a functionalized SWNT. Cross-link densities, estimated on the basis of swelling data in toluene (a dispersing solvent) indicated that the polymer underwent cross-linking at the ends of the chains. This thermally initiated cross-linking was found to occur only in the presence of the aryl alcohol functionalized SWNTs. The cross-link could have been via a hydrogen-bonding mechanism between the amine and the free hydroxyl group, or via attack of the amine on the ester linage to form an amide. Tensile properties examined at room temperature indicate a three-fold increase in the tensile modulus of the elastomer, with rupture and failure of the elastomer occurring at a strain of 6.5.

Recent Advances on Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Reinforced Ceramics Nanocomposites

PubMed Central

Ahmad, Iftikhar; Yazdani, Bahareh; Zhu, Yanqiu

2015-01-01

Ceramics suffer the curse of extreme brittleness and demand new design philosophies and novel concepts of manufacturing to overcome such intrinsic drawbacks, in order to take advantage of most of their excellent properties. This has been one of the foremost challenges for ceramic material experts. Tailoring the ceramics structures at nanometre level has been a leading research frontier; whilst upgrading via reinforcing ceramic matrices with nanomaterials including the latest carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene has now become an eminent practice for advanced applications. Most recently, several new strategies have indeed improved the properties of the ceramics/CNT nanocomposites, such as by tuning with dopants, new dispersions routes and modified sintering methods. The utilisation of graphene in ceramic nanocomposites, either as a solo reinforcement or as a hybrid with CNTs, is the newest development. This article will summarise the recent advances, key difficulties and potential applications of the ceramics nanocomposites reinforced with CNTs and graphene. PMID:28347001

Tailoring oxidation of aluminum nanoparticles reinforced with carbon nanotubes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sharma, Manjula; Sharma, Vimal, E-mail: manjula.physics@gmail.com

2016-05-23

In this report, the oxidation temperature and reaction enthalpy of Aluminum (Al) nanoparticles has been controlled by reinforcing with carbon nanotubes. The physical mixing method with ultrasonication was employed to synthesize CNT/Al nanocomposite powders. The micro-morphology of nanoconmposite powders has been analysed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The oxidation behavior of nanocomposite powders analyzed by thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimertry showed improvement in the exothermic enthalpy. Largest exothermic enthalpy of-1251J/g was observed for CNT (4 wt%)/Al nanocomposite.

Carbon Nanomaterials as Reinforcements for Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhu, Shen; Su, Ching-Hua; Lehoczky, S. L.; Curreri, Peter A. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Carbon nanomaterials including fellerenes, nanotubes (CNT) and nanofibers have been proposed for many applications. One of applications is to use the carbon nanomaterials as reinforcements for composites, especially for polymer matrices. Carbon nanotubes is a good reinforcement for lightweight composite applications due to its low mass density and high Young's modulus. Two obscures need to overcome for carbon nanotubes as reinforcements in composites, which are large quantity production and functioning the nanotubes. This presentation will discuss the carbon nanotube growth by chemical vapor deposition. In order to reduce the cost of producing carbon nanotubes as well as preventing the sliding problems, carbon nanotubes were also synthesized on carbon fibers. The synthesis process and characterization results of nanotubes and nanotubes/fibers will be discussed in the presentation.

Influence of gamma irradiation on carbon nanotube-reinforced polypropylene.

PubMed

Castell, P; Medel, F J; Martinez, M T; Puértolas, J A

2009-10-01

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) have been incorporated into a polypropylene (PP) matrix in different concentrations (range: 0.25-2.5 wt%). The nanotubes were blended with PP particles (approximately 500 microm in size) before mixing in an extruder. Finally, rectangular plates were obtained by compression moulding. PP-SWNT composites were gamma irradiated at different doses, 10 and 20 kGy, to promote crosslinking in the matrix and potentially enhance the interaction between nanotubes and PP. Extensive thermal, structural and mechanical characterization was conducted by means of DSC, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, uniaxial tensile tests and dynamic mechanical thermal (DMTA) techniques. DSC thermograms reflected higher crystallinity with increasing nanotube concentration. XRD analysis confirmed the only presence of a monoclinic crystals and proved unambiguously that CNTs generated a preferred orientation. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that the intercalation of the polymer between bundles is favored at low CNTs contents. Elastic modulus results confirmed the reinforcement of the polypropylene matrix with increasing SWNT concentration, although stiffness saturation was observed at the highest concentration. Loss tangent DMTA curves showed three transitions for raw polypropylene. While gamma relaxation remained practically unchanged in all the samples, beta relaxation temperatures showed an increase with increasing CNT content due to the reduced mobility of the system. Gamma-irradiated PP exhibited an increase in the beta relaxation temperature, associated with changes in glass transition due to radiation-induced crosslinking. On the contrary, gamma-irradiated nanocomposites did not show this effect probably due to the reaction of radiative free radicals with CNTs.

The Dynamic Response and Vibration of Functionally Graded Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Composite (FG-CNTRC) Truncated Conical Shells Resting on Elastic Foundations

PubMed Central

Nguyen Dinh, Duc; Nguyen, Pham Dinh

2017-01-01

Based on the classical shell theory, the linear dynamic response of functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) truncated conical shells resting on elastic foundations subjected to dynamic loads is presented. The truncated conical shells are reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) that vary according to the linear functions of the shell thickness. The motion equations are solved by the Galerkin method and the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method. In numerical results, the influences of geometrical parameters, elastic foundations, natural frequency parameters, and nanotube volume fraction of FG-CNTRC truncated conical shells are investigated. The proposed results are validated by comparing them with those of other authors. PMID:29057821

Carbon nanotube-based structural health monitoring for fiber reinforced composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hao; Liu, Kan; Mardirossian, Aris; Heider, Dirk; Thostenson, Erik

2017-04-01

In fiber reinforced composite materials, the modes of damage accumulation, ranging from microlevel to macro-level (matrix cracks development, fiber breakage, fiber-matrix de-bonding, delamination, etc.), are complex and hard to be detected through conventional non-destructive evaluation methods. Therefore, in order to assure the outstanding structural performance and high durability of the composites, there has been an urgent need for the design and fabrication smart composites with self-damage sensing capabilities. In recent years, the macroscopic forms of carbon nanotube materials have been maturely investigated, which provides the opportunity for structural health monitoring based on the carbon nanotubes that are integrated in the inter-laminar areas of advanced fiber composites. Here in this research, advanced fiber composites embedded with laminated carbon nanotube layers are manufactured for damage detection due to the relevant spatial electrical property changes once damage occurs. The mechanical-electrical coupling response is recorded and analyzed during impact test. The design and manufacturing of integrating the carbon nanotubes intensely affect the detecting sensitivity and repeatability of the integrated multifunctional sensors. The ultimate goal of the reported work is to develop a novel structural health monitoring method with the capability of reporting information on the damage state in a real-time way.

Structural analysis of hollow blades: Torsional stress analysis of hollow fan blades for aircraft jet engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ogawa, A.; Sofue, Y.; Isobe, T.

1979-01-01

A torsional stress analysis of hollow fans blades by the finite element method is presented. The fans are considered to be double circular arc blades, hollowed 30 percent, and twisted by a component of the centrifugal force by the rated revolution. The effects of blade hollowing on strength and rigidity are discussed. The effects of reinforcing webs, placed in the hollowed section in varying numbers and locations, on torsional rigidity and the convergence of stresses, are reported. A forecast of the 30 percent hollowing against torsional loadings is discussed.

A molecular dynamics study on Young's modulus and tribology of carbon nanotube reinforced styrene-butadiene rubber.

PubMed

Chawla, Raj; Sharma, Sumit

2018-03-18

Styrene-butadiene rubber is a copolymer widely used in making car tires and has excellent abrasion resistance. The Young's modulus and tribology of pure styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) polymer and carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composites have been investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanism of enhanced tribology properties using carbon nanotube has been studied and discussed. The obtained Young's modulus shows the enhancement in mechanical properties of SBR polymer when carbon nanotubes are used as reinforcement. The concentration, temperature and velocity profiles, radial distribution function, frictional stresses, and cohesive energy density are calculated and analyzed in detail. The Young's modulus of SBR matrix increases about 29.16% in the presence of the 5% CNT. The atom movement velocity and average cohesive energy density in the friction area of pure SBR matrix was found to be more than that of the CNT/SBR composite. Graphical abstract Initial and final conditions of (a) pure SBR matrix and (b) CNT/SBR matrix subjected toshear loading and frictional stresses of top Fe layers of both pure SBR and CNT/SBR composite.

Hollow nanoparticle cathode materials for sodium electrochemical cells and batteries

DOEpatents

Shevchenko, Elena; Rajh, Tijana; Johnson, Christopher S.; Koo, Bonil

2016-07-12

A cathode comprises, in its discharged state, a layer of hollow .gamma.-Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 nanoparticles disposed between two layers of carbon nanotubes, and preferably including a metallic current collector in contact with one of the layers of carbon nanotubes. Individual particles of the hollow .gamma.-Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 nanoparticles comprise a crystalline shell of .gamma.-Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 including cation vacancies within the crystal structure of the shell (i.e., iron vacancies of anywhere between 3% to 90%, and preferably 44 to 77% of available octahedral iron sites). Sodium ions are intercalated within at least some of the cation vacancies within the crystalline shell of the hollow .gamma.-Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 nanoparticles.

Free vibration of fully functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced graphite/epoxy laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Shih-Yao

2018-03-01

This study provides the first-known vibration analysis of fully functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced hybrid composite (FFG-CNTRHC) laminates. CNTs are non-uniformly distributed to reinforce the graphite/epoxy laminates. Some CNT distribution functions in the plane and thickness directions are proposed to more efficiently increase the stiffening effect. The rule of mixtures is modified by considering the non-homogeneous material properties of FFG-CNTRHC laminates. The formulation of the location dependent stiffness matrix and mass matrix is derived. The effects of CNT volume fraction and distribution on the natural frequencies of FFG-CNTRHC laminates are discussed. The results reveal that the FFG layout may significantly increase the natural frequencies of FFG-CNTRHC laminate.

Gallium nitride nanotube lasers

DOE PAGES

Li, Changyi; Liu, Sheng; Hurtado, Antonio; ...

2015-01-01

Lasing is demonstrated from gallium nitride nanotubes fabricated using a two-step top-down technique. By optically pumping, we observed characteristics of lasing: a clear threshold, a narrow spectral, and guided emission from the nanotubes. In addition, annular lasing emission from the GaN nanotube is also observed, indicating that cross-sectional shape control can be employed to manipulate the properties of nanolasers. The nanotube lasers could be of interest for optical nanofluidic applications or application benefitting from a hollow beam shape.

Micro/Nanomechanical characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy composite.

PubMed

Cui, Peng; Wang, Xinnan; Tangpong, X W

2012-11-01

In this paper, the mechanical properties of 1 wt.% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced epoxy nanocomposites were characterized using a self-designed micro/nano three point bending tester that was on an atomic force microscope (AFM) to in situ observe MWCNTs movement on the sample surface under loading. The migration of an individual MWCNT at the surface of the nanocomposite was tracked to address the nanomechanical reinforcing mechanism of the nanocomposites. Through morphology analysis of the nanocomposite via scanning electron microscopy, AFM, and digital image correlation technique, it was found that the MWCNTs agglomerate and the bundles were the main factors for limiting the bending strength of the composites. The agglomeration/bundle effect was included in the Halpin-Tsai model to account for the elastic modulus of the nanocomposites.

Titanate nanotubes for reinforcement of a poly(ethylene oxide)/chitosan polymer matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porras, R.; Bavykin, D. V.; Zekonyte, J.; Walsh, F. C.; Wood, R. J.

2016-05-01

Soft polyethylene oxide (PEO)/chitosan mixtures, reinforced with hard titanate nanotubes (TiNTs) by co-precipitation from aqueous solution, have been used to produce compact coatings by the ‘drop-cast’ method, using water soluble PEO polymer and stable, aqueous colloidal solutions of TiNTs. The effects of the nanotube concentration and their length on the hardness and modulus of the prepared composite have been studied using nanoindentation and nanoscratch techniques. The uniformity of TiNT dispersion within the polymer matrix has been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A remarkable increase in hardness and reduced Young’s modulus of the composites, compared to pure polymer blends, has been observed at a TiNT concentration of 25 wt %. The short (up to 30 min) ultrasound treatment of aqueous solutions containing polymers and a colloidal TiNT mixture prior to drop casting has resulted in some improvements in both hardness and reduced Young’s modulus of dry composite films, probably due to a better dispersion of ceramic nanotubes within the matrix. However, further (more than 1 h) treatment of the mixture with ultrasound resulted in a deterioration of the mechanical properties of the composite accompanied by a shortening of the nanotubes, as observed by the TEM.

Optimization of a novel method for determination of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes in hair and waste water samples by carbon nanotubes reinforced sol-gel based hollow fiber solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography using factorial experimental design.

PubMed

Es'haghi, Zarrin; Ebrahimi, Mahmoud; Hosseini, Mohammad-Saeid

2011-05-27

A novel design of solid phase microextraction fiber containing carbon nanotube reinforced sol-gel which was protected by polypropylene hollow fiber (HF-SPME) was developed for pre-concentration and determination of BTEX in environmental waste water and human hair samples. The method validation was included and satisfying results with high pre-concentration factors were obtained. In the present study orthogonal array experimental design (OAD) procedure with OA(16) (4(4)) matrix was applied to study the effect of four factors influencing the HF-SPME method efficiency: stirring speed, volume of adsorption organic solvent, extraction and desorption time of the sample solution, by which the effect of each factor was estimated using individual contributions as response functions in the screening process. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for estimating the main significant factors and their percentage contributions in extraction. Calibration curves were plotted using ten spiking levels of BTEX in the concentration ranges of 0.02-30,000ng/mL with correlation coefficients (r) 0.989-0.9991 for analytes. Under the optimized extraction conditions, the method showed good linearity (0.3-20,000ng/L), repeatability, low limits of detections (0.49-0.7ng/L) and excellent pre-concentration factors (185-1872). The best conditions which were estimated then applied for the analysis of BTEX compounds in the real samples. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Free vibration of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite cylindrical panels with general elastic supports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Fei; Tang, Jinyuan; Wang, Ailun; Shuai, Cijun; Wang, Qingshan

2018-05-01

In this paper, a unified solution for vibration analysis of the functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) cylindrical panels with general elastic supports is carried out via using the Ritz method. The excellent accuracy and reliability of the present method are compared with the results of the classical boundary cases found in the literature. New results are given for vibration characteristics of FG-CNTRC cylindrical panels with various boundary conditions. The effects of the elastic restraint parameters, thickness, subtended angle and volume fraction of carbon nanotubes on the free vibration characteristic of the cylindrical panels are also reported.

Transient thermal stresses in a reinforced hollow disk or cylinder containing a radial crack

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tang, R.; Erdogan, F.

1983-01-01

The transient thermal stress problem in a hollow cylinder or a disk containing a radial crack is considered. It is assumed that the cylinder is reinforced on its inner boundary by a membrane which has thermoelastic constants different than those of the base material. The transient temperature, thermal stresses and the crack tip stress intensity factors are calculated in a cylinder which is subjected to a sudden change of temperature on the inside surface. The results are obtained for various dimensionless parameters and material constants. The special cases of the crack terminating at the cylinder-membrane interface and of the broken membrane are separately considered and some examples are given.

Transient thermal stresses in a reinforced hollow disk or cylinder containing a radial crack

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tang, R.; Erdogan, F.

1984-01-01

The transient thermal stress problem in a hollow cylinder or a disk containing a radial crack is considered. It is assumed that the cylinder is reinforced on its inner boundary by a membrane which has thermoelastic constants different than those of the base material. The transient temperature, thermal stresses and the crack tip stress intensity factors are calculated in a cylinder which is subjected to a sudden change of temperature on the inside surface. The results are obtained for various dimensionless parameters and material constants. The special cases of the crack terminating at the cylinder-membrane interface and of the broken membrane are separately considered and some examples are given.

A Universal Strategy for Hollow Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Encapsulated into B/N Co-Doped Graphitic Nanotubes as High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes.

PubMed

Tabassum, Hassina; Zou, Ruqiang; Mahmood, Asif; Liang, Zibin; Wang, Qingfei; Zhang, Hao; Gao, Song; Qu, Chong; Guo, Wenhan; Guo, Shaojun

2018-02-01

Yolk-shell nanostructures have received great attention for boosting the performance of lithium-ion batteries because of their obvious advantages in solving the problems associated with large volume change, low conductivity, and short diffusion path for Li + ion transport. A universal strategy for making hollow transition metal oxide (TMO) nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated into B, N co-doped graphitic nanotubes (TMO@BNG (TMO = CoO, Ni 2 O 3 , Mn 3 O 4 ) through combining pyrolysis with an oxidation method is reported herein. The as-made TMO@BNG exhibits the TMO-dependent lithium-ion storage ability, in which CoO@BNG nanotubes exhibit highest lithium-ion storage capacity of 1554 mA h g -1 at the current density of 96 mA g -1 , good rate ability (410 mA h g -1 at 1.75 A g -1 ), and high stability (almost 96% storage capacity retention after 480 cycles). The present work highlights the importance of introducing hollow TMO NPs with thin wall into BNG with large surface area for boosting LIBs in the terms of storage capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Carbon nanotubes on a substrate

DOEpatents

Gao, Yufei [Kennewick, WA; Liu, Jun [West Richland, WA

2002-03-26

The present invention includes carbon nanotubes whose hollow cores are 100% filled with conductive filler. The carbon nanotubes are in uniform arrays on a conductive substrate and are well-aligned and can be densely packed. The uniformity of the carbon nanotube arrays is indicated by the uniform length and diameter of the carbon nanotubes, both which vary from nanotube to nanotube on a given array by no more than about 5%. The alignment of the carbon nanotubes is indicated by the perpendicular growth of the nanotubes from the substrates which is achieved in part by the simultaneous growth of the conductive filler within the hollow core of the nanotube and the densely packed growth of the nanotubes. The present invention provides a densely packed carbon nanotube growth where each nanotube is in contact with at least one nearest-neighbor nanotube. The substrate is a conductive substrate coated with a growth catalyst, and the conductive filler can be single crystals of carbide formed by a solid state reaction between the substrate material and the growth catalyst. The present invention further provides a method for making the filled carbon nanotubes on the conductive substrates. The method includes the steps of depositing a growth catalyst onto the conductive substrate as a prepared substrate, creating a vacuum within a vessel which contains the prepared substrate, flowing H2/inert (e.g. Ar) gas within the vessel to increase and maintain the pressure within the vessel, increasing the temperature of the prepared substrate, and changing the H2/Ar gas to ethylene gas such that the ethylene gas flows within the vessel. Additionally, varying the density and separation of the catalyst particles on the conductive substrate can be used to control the diameter of the nanotubes.

Transparent conducting oxide nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alivov, Yahya; Singh, Vivek; Ding, Yuchen; Nagpal, Prashant

2014-09-01

Thin film or porous membranes made of hollow, transparent, conducting oxide (TCO) nanotubes, with high chemical stability, functionalized surfaces and large surface areas, can provide an excellent platform for a wide variety of nanostructured photovoltaic, photodetector, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic devices. While large-bandgap oxide semiconductors offer transparency for incident light (below their nominal bandgap), their low carrier concentration and poor conductivity makes them unsuitable for charge conduction. Moreover, materials with high conductivity have nominally low bandgaps and hence poor light transmittance. Here, we demonstrate thin films and membranes made from TiO2 nanotubes heavily-doped with shallow Niobium (Nb) donors (up to 10%, without phase segregation), using a modified electrochemical anodization process, to fabricate transparent conducting hollow nanotubes. Temperature dependent current-voltage characteristics revealed that TiO2 TCO nanotubes, doped with 10% Nb, show metal-like behavior with resistivity decreasing from 6.5 × 10-4 Ωcm at T = 300 K (compared to 6.5 × 10-1 Ωcm for nominally undoped nanotubes) to 2.2 × 10-4 Ωcm at T = 20 K. Optical properties, studied by reflectance measurements, showed light transmittance up to 90%, within wavelength range 400 nm-1000 nm. Nb doping also improves the field emission properties of TCO nanotubes demonstrating an order of magnitude increase in field-emitter current, compared to undoped samples.

Mechano-Physical Properties and Microstructure of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Cement Paste after Thermal Load

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The article presents the results obtained in the course of a study on the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the modification of a cement matrix. Carbon nanotubes were introduced into a cement paste in the form of an aqueous dispersion in the presence of a surfactant (SDS—sodium dodecyl sulfate), which was sonicated. The selected physical and mechanical parameters were examined, and the correlations between these parameters were determined. An analysis of the local microstructure of the modified cement pastes has been carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis (EDS). In addition, the effect of carbon nanotubes on the change in characteristics of the cementitious material exposed to the sudden, short-term thermal load, was determined. The obtained material was characterized by a much lower density than a traditional cement matrix because the phenomenon of foaming occurred. The material was also characterized by reduced durability, higher shrinkage, and higher resistance to the effect of elevated temperature. Further research on the carbon nanotube reinforced cement paste, with SDS, may contribute to the development of a modified cement binder for the production of a lightweight or an aerated concrete. PMID:28891976

Mechano-Physical Properties and Microstructure of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Cement Paste after Thermal Load.

PubMed

Szeląg, Maciej

2017-09-11

The article presents the results obtained in the course of a study on the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the modification of a cement matrix. Carbon nanotubes were introduced into a cement paste in the form of an aqueous dispersion in the presence of a surfactant (SDS-sodium dodecyl sulfate), which was sonicated. The selected physical and mechanical parameters were examined, and the correlations between these parameters were determined. An analysis of the local microstructure of the modified cement pastes has been carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis (EDS). In addition, the effect of carbon nanotubes on the change in characteristics of the cementitious material exposed to the sudden, short-term thermal load, was determined. The obtained material was characterized by a much lower density than a traditional cement matrix because the phenomenon of foaming occurred. The material was also characterized by reduced durability, higher shrinkage, and higher resistance to the effect of elevated temperature. Further research on the carbon nanotube reinforced cement paste, with SDS, may contribute to the development of a modified cement binder for the production of a lightweight or an aerated concrete.

Hot Extrusion of A356 Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite with Carbon Nanotube/Al2O3 Hybrid Reinforcement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, H. H.; Babu, J. S. S.; Kang, C. G.

2014-05-01

Over the years, the attention of material scientists and engineers has shifted from conventional composite materials to nanocomposite materials for the development of light weight and high-performance devices. Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), many researchers have tried to fabricate metal matrix composites (MMCs) with CNT reinforcements. However, CNTs exhibit low dispersibility in metal melts owing to their poor wettability and large surface-to-volume ratio. The use of an array of short fibers or hybrid reinforcements in a preform could overcome this problem and enhance the dispersion of CNTs in the matrix. In this study, multi-walled CNT/Al2O3 preform-based aluminum hybrid composites were fabricated using the infiltration method. Then, the composites were extruded to evaluate changes in its mechanical properties. In addition, the dispersion of reinforcements was investigated using a hardness test. The required extrusion pressure of hybrid MMCs increased as the Al2O3/CNT fraction increased. The deformation resistance of hybrid material was over two times that of the original A356 aluminum alloy material due to strengthening by the Al2O3/CNTs reinforcements. In addition, an unusual trend was detected; primary transition was induced by the hybrid reinforcements, as can be observed in the pressure-displacement curve. Increasing temperature of the material can help increase formability. In particular, temperatures under 623 K (350 °C) and over-incorporating reinforcements (Al2O3 20 pct, CNTs 3 pct) are not recommended owing to a significant increase in the brittleness of the hybrid material.

Fabrication of Pd and Pt Nanotubes and Their Catalytic Study on p-Nitrophenol Reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yinan; Wang, Jiankang; Chen, JingYi

2018-03-01

Pd and Pt nanotubes were fabricated using self-assembled DC8,9PC lipid tubules under mild conditions at room temperature. Scan electron microscope (SEM) show the hollow and open-ended structures of prepared Pd and Pt nanotubes. The Pd and Pt nanotubes demonstrate both high catalytic activity toward p-nitrophenol reduction and excellent stability. This work has indicated the application potentials of lipid tubules in fabricating hollow metal nanomaterials.

Preparation and properties of in-situ growth of carbon nanotubes reinforced hydroxyapatite coating for carbon/carbon composites.

PubMed

Liu, Shoujie; Li, Hejun; Su, Yangyang; Guo, Qian; Zhang, Leilei

2017-01-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess excellent mechanical properties for their role playing in reinforcement as imparting strength to brittle hydroxyapatite (HA) bioceramic coating. However, there are few reports relating to the in-situ grown carbon nanotubes reinforced hydroxyapatite (CNTs-HA) coating. Here we demonstrate the potential application in reinforcing biomaterials by an attempt to use in-situ grown of CNTs strengthen HA coating, using a combined method composited of injection chemical vapor deposition (ICVD) and pulsed electrodeposition. The microstructure, phases and chemical compositions of CNTs-HA coatings were characterized by various advanced methods. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicated that CNTs-HA coatings avoided the inhomogeneous dispersion of CNTs inside HA coating. The result show that the interfacial shear strength between CNTs-HA coating and the C/C composite matrix reaches to 12.86±1.43MPa. Potenitodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies show that the content of CNTs affects the corrosion resistance of CNTs-HA coating. Cell culturing and simulated body fluid test elicit the biocompatibility with living cells and bioactivity of CNTs-HA coatings, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molecular dynamics study of mechanical properties of carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, Ashish Kumar; Mokhalingam, A.; Singh, Akhileshwar; Kumar, Dinesh

2016-05-01

Atomistic simulations were conducted to estimate the effect of the carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement on the mechanical behavior of CNT-reinforced aluminum (Al) nanocomposite. The periodic system of CNT-Al nanocomposite was built and simulated using molecular dynamics (MD) software LAMMPS (Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator). The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite were investigated by the application of uniaxial load on one end of the representative volume element (RVE) and fixing the other end. The interactions between the atoms of Al were modeled using embedded atom method (EAM) potentials, whereas Adaptive Intermolecular Reactive Empirical Bond Order (AIREBO) potential was used for the interactions among carbon atoms and these pair potentials are coupled with the Lennard-Jones (LJ) potential. The results show that the incorporation of CNT into the Al matrix can increase the Young's modulus of the nanocomposite substantially. In the present case, i.e. for approximately 9 with % reinforcement of CNT can increase the axial Young's modulus of the Al matrix up to 77 % as compared to pure Al.

Composite Reinforcement using Boron Nitride Nanotubes

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-09

while retaining the nanotube structure. This project involves the use of computational quantum chemistry to study interactions of aluminium (Al...small clusters of 1–4 metal atoms. The effect of varying the radius of the nanotubes and the size of aluminium and titanium clusters was considered...15. SUBJECT TERMS Boron Nitride Nanotubes, composite materials, Aluminum Alloys , Titanium Alloy , Theoretical Chemistry 16. SECURITY

Microstructure and Thermal Conductivity of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Cu Composites.

PubMed

Chen, Pingan; Zhang, Jian; Shen, Qiang; Luo, Guoqiang; Dai, Yang; Wang, Chuanbing; Li, Meijuan; Zhang, Lianmeng

2017-04-01

Microstructure and thermal conductivity (TC) of carbon nanotubes reinforced Cu (CNT-Cu) composites have been studied. When CNTs were coated with nano Cu by electroless plating, the TC of CNT-Cu composites showed a noticeable improvement and increased with CNT contents. When 1.0 vol% CNTs was added, the TC of CNT-Cu composites increased to 420.4 W/(m · K), 30% higher than that of monolithic Cu (323.1 W/(m · K)). According to the measured TC of CNT-Cu composites, the interfacial thermal resistance of CNT-Cu composites was calculated as 3.0 × 10⁻⁹ m² K/W which was lower than the reported values of CNTs reinforced polymer matrix composites and ceramic matrix composites. Microstructures showed that CNTs modified with nano Cu were homogeneously dispersed and embedded in the Cu matrix, indicating that there was strong bonding between CNTs and Cu. The homogeneously dispersed CNTs and reduction of interfacial thermal resistance resulted in the improvement of thermal conductivity of CNT-Cu composites. Therefore, the prepared CNT-Cu composites are promising materials for thermal management applications.

Strengthening behavior of chopped multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum matrix composites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shin, S.E.; Bae, D.H., E-mail: donghyun@yonsei.ac.kr

2013-09-15

Strengthening behavior of the aluminum composites reinforced with chopped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or aluminum carbide formed during annealing at 500 °C has been investigated. The composites were fabricated by hot-rolling the powders which were ball-milled under various conditions. During the early annealing process, aluminum atoms can cluster inside the tube due to the diffusional flow of aluminum atoms into the tube, providing an increase of the strength of the composite. Further annealing induces the formation of the aluminum carbide phase, leading to an overall drop in the strength of the composites. While the strength of the composites can bemore » evaluated according to the rule of mixture, a particle spacing effect can be additionally imparted on the strength of the composites reinforced with the chopped MWCNTs or the corresponding carbides since the reinforcing agents are smaller than the submicron matrix grains. - Highlights: • Strengthening behavior of chopped CNT reinforced Al-based composites is investigated. • Chopped CNTs have influenced the strength and microstructures of the composites. • Chopped CNTs are created under Ar- 3% H2 atmosphere during mechanical milling. • Strength can be evaluated by the rule of the mixture and a particle spacing effect.« less

Gas chromatographic determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and smoked rice samples after solid-phase microextraction using multiwalled carbon nanotube loaded hollow fiber.

PubMed

Matin, Amir Abbas; Biparva, Pourya; Gheshlaghi, Mohammad

2014-12-29

A novel solid-phase microextraction fiber was prepared based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) loaded on hollow fiber membrane pores. Stainless steel wire was used as unbreakable support. The major advantages of the proposed fiber are its (a) high reproducibility due to the uniform structure of the hollow fiber membranes, (b) high extraction capacity related to the porous structure of the hollow fiber and outstanding adsorptive characteristics of MWCNTs. The proposed fiber was applied for the microextraction of five representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from aqueous media (river and hubble-bubble water) and smoked rice samples followed by gas chromatographic determination. Analytical merits of the method, including high correlation coefficients [(0.9963-0.9992) and (0.9982-0.9999)] and low detection limits [(9.0-13.0ngL(-1)) and (40.0-150.0ngkg(-1))] for water and rice samples, respectively, made the proposed method suitable for the ultra-trace determination of PAHs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and Characterization of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) Reinforced Sintered Magnesium Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijaya Bhaskar, S.; Rajmohan, T.; Palanikumar, K.; Bharath Ganesh Kumar, B.

2016-04-01

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with ceramic nano particles (less than 100 nm), termed as metal matrix nano composites (MMNCs), can overcome those disadvantages associated with the conventional MMCs. MMCs containing carbon nanotubes are being developed and projected for diverse applications in various fields of engineering like automotive, avionic, electronic and bio-medical sectors. The present investigation deals with the synthesis and characterization of hybrid magnesium matrix reinforced with various different wt% (0-0.45) of multi wall carbon nano tubes (MWCNT) and micro SiC particles prepared through powder metallurgy route. Microstructure and mechanical properties such as micro hardness and density of the composites were examined. Microstructure of MMNCs have been investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) for better observation of dispersion of reinforcement. The results indicated that the increase in wt% of MWCNT improves the mechanical properties of the composite.

Tensile and tribological properties of a short-carbon-fiber-reinforced peek composite doped with carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, J.; Zhang, L. Q.

2009-09-01

The main objective of this paper is to develop a high-wear-resistant short-carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composite by introducing additional multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into it. The compounds were mixed in a Haake batch mixer and fabricated into sheets by compression molding. Samples with different aspect ratios and concentrations of fillers were tested for wear resistance. The worn surfaces of the samples were examined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the photomicrographs revealed a higher wear resistance of the samples containing the additional carbon nanotubes. Also, a better interfacial adhesion between the short carbon fibers and vinyl ester in the composite was observed.

Preparation of robust braid-reinforced poly(vinyl chloride) ultrafiltration hollow fiber membrane with antifouling surface and application to filtration of activated sludge solution.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhuang; Rajabzadeh, Saeid; Fang, Lifeng; Miyoshi, Taro; Kakihana, Yuriko; Matsuyama, Hideto

2017-08-01

Braid-reinforced hollow fiber membranes with high mechanical properties and considerable antifouling surface were prepared by blending poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with poly(vinyl chloride-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (poly(VC-co-PEGMA)) copolymer via non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS). The tensile strength of the braid-reinforced PVC hollow fiber membranes were significantly larger than those of previously reported various types of PVC hollow fiber membranes. The high interfacial bonding strength indicated the good compatibility between the coating materials and the surface of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-braid. Owing to the surface segregation phenomena, the membrane surface PEGMA coverage increased upon increasing the poly(VC-co-PEGMA)/PVC blending ratio, resulting in higher hydrophilicities and bovine serum albumin (BSA) repulsion. To compare the fouling properties, membranes with similar PWPs were prepared by adjusting the dope solution composition to eliminate the effect of hydrodynamic conditions on the membrane fouling performance. The blend membranes surface exhibited considerable fouling resistance to the molecular adsorption from both BSA solution and activated sludge solution. In both cases, the flux recovered to almost 80% of the initial flux using only water backflush. Considering their great mechanical properties and antifouling resistance to activated sludge solution, these novel membranes show good potential for application in wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spark plasma sintering of ceramic matrix composite based on alumina, reinforced by carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonov, A. A.; Khasanov, A. O.; Danchenko, V. A.; Khasanov, O. L.

2017-12-01

Alumina composites reinforced with 3 vol.% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The influence of sintering temperature (1400-1600 °C) on the composites microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. Microstructure observations of the composite shows that some CNTs site along alumina grains boundary, while others embed into the alumina grains and shows that CNTs bonded strongly with the alumina matrix contributing to fracture toughness and microhardness increase. MWCNTs reinforcing mechanisms including CNT pull-out and crack deflection were directly observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). For Al2O3/CNT composite sintered at 1600 °C, fracture toughness and microhardness are 4.93 MPa·m1/2 and 23.26 GPa respectively.

Synthesis and Properties of Carbon Nanotube-Grafted Silica Nanoarchitecture-Reinforced Poly(Lactic Acid)

PubMed Central

Hsu, Yao-Wen; Wu, Chia-Ching; Wu, Song-Mao

2017-01-01

A novel nanoarchitecture-reinforced poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposite was prepared using multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-grafted silica nanohybrids as reinforcements. MWCNT-grafted silica nanohybrids were synthesized by the generation of silica nanoparticles on the MWCNT surface through the sol-gel technique. This synthetic method involves organo-modified MWCNTs that are dispersed in tetrahydrofuran, which incorporates tetraethoxysilane that undergoes an ultrasonic sol-gel process. Gelation yielded highly dispersed silica on the organo-modified MWCNTs. The structure and properties of the nanohybrids were established using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The resulting MWCNT nanoarchitectures were covalently assembled into silica nanoparticles, which exhibited specific and controllable morphologies and were used to reinforce biodegradable PLA. The tensile strength and the heat deflection temperature (HDT) of the PLA/MWCNT-grafted silica nanocomposites increased when the MWCNT-grafted silica was applied to the PLA matrix; by contrast, the surface resistivity of the PLA/MWCNT-grafted silica nanocomposites appeared to decline as the amount of MWCNT-grafted silica in the PLA matrix increased. Overall, the reinforcement of PLA using MWCNT-grafted silica nanoarchitectures was efficient and improved its mechanical properties, heat resistance, and electrical resistivity. PMID:28773187

Characterization of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Nickel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gill, Hansel; Hudson, Steve; Bhat, Biliyar; Munafo, Paul M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical molecules composed of carbon atoms in a regular hexagonal arrangement. If nanotubes can be uniformly dispersed in a supporting matrix to form structural materials, the resulting structures could be significantly lighter and stronger than current aerospace materials. Work is currently being done to develop an electrolyte-based self-assembly process that produces a Carbon Nanotube/Nickel composite material with high specific strength. This process is expected to produce a lightweight metal matrix composite material, which maintains it's thermal and electrical conductivities, and is potentially suitable for applications such as advanced structures, space based optics, and cryogenic tanks.

Hypervelocity Impact Experiments on Epoxy/Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Composite Panels Reinforced with Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khatiwada, Suman; Laughman, Jay W.; Armada, Carlos A.; Christiansen, Eric L.; Barrera, Enrique V.

2012-01-01

Advanced composites with multi-functional capabilities are of great interest to the designers of aerospace structures. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) reinforced with high strength fibers provide a lightweight and high strength alternative to metals and metal alloys conventionally used in aerospace architectures. Novel reinforcements such as nanofillers offer potential to improve the mechanical properties and add multi-functionality such as radiation resistance and sensing capabilities to the PMCs. This paper reports the hypervelocity impact (HVI) test results on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber composites reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT). Woven UHMWPE fabrics, in addition to providing excellent impact properties and high strength, also offer radiation resistance due to inherent high hydrogen content. SWCNT have exceptional mechanical and electrical properties. BNNT (figure 1) have high neutron cross section and good mechanical properties that add multi-functionality to this system. In this project, epoxy based UHMWPE composites containing SWCNT and BNNT are assessed for their use as bumper shields and as intermediate plates in a Whipple Shield for HVI resistance. Three composite systems are prepared to compare against one another: (I) Epoxy/UHMWPE, (II) Epoxy/UHMWPE/SWCNT and (III) Epoxy/UHMWPE/SWCNT/BNNT. Each composite is a 10.0 by 10.0 by 0.11 cm3 panel, consisting of 4 layers of fabrics arranged in cross-ply orientation. Both SWCNT and BNNT are 0.5 weight % of the fabric preform. Hypervelocity impact tests are performed using a two-stage light gas gun at Rice University

Hollow mesoporous silica nanotubes modified with palladium nanoparticles for environmental catalytic applications.

PubMed

Tian, Meng; Long, Yu; Xu, Dan; Wei, Shuoyun; Dong, Zhengping

2018-07-01

Nowadays, chemical catalytic methods for the treatment of organic wastes are attracting more and more research attention. In the current research, novel catalysts with palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) supported on the hollow mesoporous silica nanotubes (h-mSiO 2 ) were synthesized for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and hydrodechlorination (HDC) of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). The key point for the fabrication of the catalysts is that a certain thickness of the silica shell was wrapped on the multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) or Pd/MWNTs through biphase stratification approach, and then the samples were calcined to remove the MWNTs. Thereby, h-mSiO 2 and Pd@h-mSiO 2 samples were obtained. The prepared materials have excellent pore structure and exhibit high specific surface areas. The reduction of 4-NP by the Pd/h-mSiO 2 and Pd@h-mSiO 2 catalysts showed higher TOF values than many other catalysts, and the yield of HDC of 4-CP to phenol reached 100% with a low loading of Pd in water solvent. The excellent catalytic activities of the Pd/h-mSiO 2 and Pd@h-mSiO 2 catalysts should attribute to the excellent connectivity of the h-mSiO 2 which not only can increase the accessibility of the Pd active sites but also enhance the mass transfer of the reactants. It is worth mention that, there is almost no Pd NPs aggregation or losing during the reaction process, and the prepared catalysts still showed good catalytic activity and physical stability after recycling. Moreover, the catalyst shows potential for catalytic reduction of nitroarenes in a fixed bed reactor, thus could be used for continuously treat nitroarenes polluted water. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using molecular dynamics simulations and finite element method to study the mechanical properties of nanotube reinforced polyethylene and polyketone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rouhi, S.; Alizadeh, Y.; Ansari, R.; Aryayi, M.

2015-09-01

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the mechanical behavior of single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced composites. Polyethylene and polyketone are selected as the polymer matrices. The effects of nanotube atomic structure and diameter on the mechanical properties of polymer matrix nanocomposites are investigated. It is shown that although adding nanotube to the polymer matrix raises the longitudinal elastic modulus significantly, the transverse tensile and shear moduli do not experience important change. As the previous finite element models could not be used for polymer matrices with the atom types other than carbon, molecular dynamics simulations are used to propose a finite element model which can be used for any polymer matrices. It is shown that this model can predict Young’s modulus with an acceptable accuracy.

Quantitatively in Situ Imaging Silver Nanowire Hollowing Kinetics

DOE PAGES

Yu, Le; Yan, Zhongying; Cai, Zhonghou; ...

2016-09-28

We report the in-situ investigation of the morphological evolution of silver nanowires to hollow silver oxide nanotubes using transmission x-ray microscopy (TXM). Complex silver diffusion kinetics and hollowing process via the Kirkendall effect have been captured in real time. Further quantitative x-ray absorption analysis reveals the difference between the longitudinal and radial diffusions. In conclusion, the diffusion coefficient of silver in its oxide nanoshell is, for the first time, calculated to be 1.2 × 10 -13 cm 2/s from the geometrical parameters extracted from the TXM images.

Method of making carbon nanotubes on a substrate

DOEpatents

Gao, Yufei; Liu, Jun

2006-03-14

The present invention includes carbon nanotubes whose hollow cores are 100% filled with conductive filler. The carbon nanotubes are in uniform arrays on a conductive substrate and are well-aligned and can be densely packed. The uniformity of the carbon nanotube arrays is indicated by the uniform length and diameter of the carbon nanotubes, both which vary from nanotube to nanotube on a given array by no more than about 5%. The alignment of the carbon nanotubes is indicated by the perpendicular growth of the nanotubes from the substrates which is achieved in part by the simultaneous growth of the conductive filler within the hollow core of the nanotube and the densely packed growth of the nanotubes. The present invention provides a densely packed carbon nanotube growth where each nanotube is in contact with at least one nearest-neighbor nanotube. The substrate is a conductive substrate coated with a growth catalyst, and the conductive filler can be single crystals of carbide formed by a solid state reaction between the substrate material and the growth catalyst. The present invention further provides a method for making the filled carbon nanotubes on the conductive substrates. The method includes the steps of depositing a growth catalyst onto the conductive substrate as a prepared substrate, creating a vacuum within a vessel which contains the prepared substrate, flowing H2/inert (e.g. Ar) gas within the vessel to increase and maintain the pressure within the vessel, increasing the temperature of the prepared substrate, and changing the H2/Ar gas to ethylene gas such that the ethylene gas flows within the vessel. Additionally, varying the density and separation of the catalyst particles on the conductive substrate can be used to control the diameter of the nanotubes.

Gallium-mediated growth of multiwall carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Zheng Wei; Dai, Sheng; Beach, David B.; Evans, Neal D.; Lowndes, Douglas H.

2003-03-01

Liquid gallium was used as a viable and effective solvent and template for high-yield growth of multiwall carbon nanotubes. The gallium-mediated nanotubes thus obtained differ morphologically from nanotubes obtained by using transition metals as catalysts. The nanotubes have a pin-like morphology, generally composed of an oval-shaped tip filled with liquid gallium and a tapered hollow body. The inner diameter of the tube is so large that the inner/outer diameter ratio is usually larger than 0.9. The tubes are naturally opened at both ends. These gallium-filled nanotubes may be used as a nanothermometer in the temperature range of 30 to 550 °C. This study opens an interesting route for carbon nanotube synthesis.

Resin Composites Reinforced by Nanoscaled Fibers or Tubes for Dental Regeneration

PubMed Central

Li, Xiaoming; Liu, Wei; Sun, Lianwen; Aifantis, Katerina E.; Yu, Bo; Fan, Yubo; Cui, Fuzhai; Watari, Fumio

2014-01-01

It has been stated clearly that nanofillers could make an enhancement on the mechanical performances of dental composites. In order to address current shortage of traditional dental composites, fillers in forms of nanofibers or nanotubes are broadly regarded as ideal candidates to greatly increase mechanical performances of dental composites with low content of fillers. In this review, the efforts using nanofibers and nanotubes to reinforce mechanical performances of dental composites, including polymeric nanofibers, metallic nanofibers or nanotubes, and inorganic nanofibers or nanotubes, as well as their researches related, are demonstrated in sequence. The first purpose of current paper was to confirm the enhancement of nanofibers or nanotubes' reinforcement on the mechanical performances of dental restorative composite. The second purpose was to make a general description about the reinforcement mechanism of nanofibers and nanotubes, especially, the impact of formation of interphase boundary interaction and nanofibers themselves on the advanced mechanical behaviors of the dental composites. By means of the formation of interface interaction and poststretching nanofibers, reinforced effect of dental composites by sorts of nanofibers/nanotubes has been successfully obtained. PMID:24982894

Carbon nanotubes reinforced chitosan films: mechanical properties and cell response of a novel biomaterial for cardiovascular tissue engineering.

PubMed

Kroustalli, A; Zisimopoulou, A E; Koch, S; Rongen, L; Deligianni, D; Diamantouros, S; Athanassiou, G; Kokozidou, M; Mavrilas, D; Jockenhoevel, S

2013-12-01

Carbon nanotubes have been proposed as fillers to reinforce polymeric biomaterials for the strengthening of their structural integrity to achieve better biomechanical properties. In this study, a new polymeric composite material was introduced by incorporating various low concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into chitosan (CS), aiming at achieving a novel composite biomaterial with superior mechanical and biological properties compared to neat CS, in order to be used in cardiovascular tissue engineering applications. Both mechanical and biological characteristics in contact with the two relevant cell types (endothelial cells and vascular myofibroblasts) were studied. Regarding the mechanical behavior of MWCNT reinforced CS (MWCNT/CS), 5 and 10 % concentrations of MWCNTs enhanced the mechanical behavior of CS, with that of 5 % exhibiting a superior mechanical strength compared to 10 % concentration and neat CS. Regarding biological properties, MWCNT/CS best supported proliferation of endothelial and myofibroblast cells, MWCNTs and MWCNT/CS caused no apoptosis and were not toxic of the examined cell types. Conclusively, the new material could be suitable for tissue engineering (TE) and particularly for cardiovascular TE applications.

Utilization of multiwalled boron nitride nanotubes for the reinforcement of lightweight aluminum ribbons

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Multiwalled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have very attractive mechanical and thermal properties, e.g., elasticity, tensile strength, and high resistance to oxidation, and may be considered as ideal reinforcing agents in lightweight metal matrix composites. Herein, for the first time, Al-BNNT ribbons with various BNNT contents (up to 3 wt.%) were fabricated via melt spinning in an argon atmosphere. BNNTs were randomly dispersed within a microcrystalline Al matrix under ribbon casting and led to more than doubling of room-temperature ultimate tensile strength of the composites compared to pure Al ribbons produced at the similar conditions. PMID:23279813

Confined Assembly of Hollow Carbon Spheres in Carbonaceous Nanotube: A Spheres-in-Tube Carbon Nanostructure with Hierarchical Porosity for High-Performance Supercapacitor.

PubMed

Chen, Ze; Ye, Sunjie; Evans, Stephen D; Ge, Yuanhang; Zhu, Zhifeng; Tu, Yingfeng; Yang, Xiaoming

2018-05-01

Carbonaceous nanotubes (CTs) represent one of the most popular and effective carbon electrode materials for supercapacitors, but the electrochemistry performance of CTs is largely limited by their relatively low specific surface area, insufficient usage of intratube cavity, low content of heteroatom, and poor porosity. An emerging strategy for circumventing these issues is to design novel porous CT-based nanostructures. Herein, a spheres-in-tube nanostructure with hierarchical porosity is successfully engineered, by encapsulating heteroatom-doping hollow carbon spheres into one carbonaceous nanotube (HCSs@CT). This intriguing nanoarchitecture integrates the merits of large specific surface area, good porosity, and high content of heteroatoms, which synergistically facilitates the transportation and exchange of ions and electrons. Accordingly, the as-prepared HCSs@CTs possess outstanding performances as electrode materials of supercapacitors, including superior capacitance to that of CTs, HCSs, and their mixtures, coupled with excellent cycling life, demonstrating great potential for applications in energy storage. © 2018 The Authors. Published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multiwall carbon nanotube- zirconium oxide nanocomposite hollow fiber solid phase microextraction for determination of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in water, coffee and tea samples.

PubMed

Yazdi, Mahnaz Nozohour; Yamini, Yadollah; Asiabi, Hamid

2018-06-15

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of hollow fiber solid-phase microextraction (HF-SPME) followed by HPLC-UV to determine the ultra-trace amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as model analytes in complex coffee and tea samples. HF-SPME can be effectively used as an alternative to the direct immersion SPME (DI-SPME) method in complex matrices. The DI-SPME method suffers from serious limitation in dirty and complicated matrices with low sample clean-up, while the HF-SPME method has high clean-up and selectivity due to the high porosity of hollow fiber that can pick out analyte from complicated matrices. As a hollow fiber sorbent, a novel multiwall carbon nanotube/zirconium oxide nanocomposite (MWCNT/ZrO 2 ) was fabricated. The excellent adsorption of PAHs on the sorbent was attributed to the dominant roles of π-π stacking interaction and hydrophobic interaction. Under the optimized extraction conditions, the wide linear range of 0.1-200 μg L -1 with coefficients of determination better than 0.998 and low detection limits of 0.033-0.16 μg L -1 with satisfactory precision (RSD < 6.6%) were obtained. The relative recoveries obtained by spiking the PAHs in water, coffee and tea samples were in the range of 92.0-106.0%. Compared to other methods, MWCNT/ZrO 2 hollow fiber solid phase microextraction demonstrated a good capability for determination of PAHs in complex coffee and tea samples. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Homogenization Models for Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muc, A.; Jamróz, M.

2004-03-01

Two homogenization models for evaluating Young's modulus of nanocomposites reinforced with single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes are presented. The first model is based on a physical description taking into account the interatomic interaction and nanotube geometry. The elementary cell, here a nanotube with a surrounding resin layer, is treated as a homogeneous body — a material continuum. The second model, similar to a phenomenological engineering one, is obtained by combining the law of mixture with the Cox mechanical model. This model describes the stress distribution along stretched short fibers surrounded by a resin matrix. The similarities between composite materials reinforced with short fibers and nanotubes are elucidated. The results obtained are compared with those for classical microcomposites to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of both the composite materials.

Magnetic nanotubes for drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramasamy, Mouli; Kumar, Prashanth S.; Varadan, Vijay K.

2017-04-01

Magnetic nanotubes hold the potential for neuroscience applications because of their capability to deliver chemicals or biomolecules and the feasibility of controlling the orientation or movement of these magnetic nanotubes by an external magnetic field thus facilitating directed growth of neurites. Therefore, we sought to investigate the effects of laminin treated magnetic nanotubes and external alternating magnetic fields on the growth of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in cell culture. Magnetic nanotubes were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and characterized to confirm their hollow structure, the hematite and maghemite phases, and the magnetic properties. DRG neurons were cultured in the presence of magnetic nanotubes under alternating magnetic fields. Electron microscopy showed a close interaction between magnetic nanotubes and the growing neurites Phase contrast microscopy revealed live growing neurons suggesting that the combination of the presence of magnetic nanotubes and the alternating magnetic field were tolerated by DRG neurons. The synergistic effect, from both laminin treated magnetic nanotubes and the applied magnetic fields on survival, growth and electrical activity of the DRG neurons are currently being investigated.

Vibration characteristics of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite rectangular plates on Pasternak foundation with arbitrary boundary conditions and internal line supports

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Rui; Wang, Qingshan; Tang, Jinyuan; Shuai, Cijun; Liang, Qian

2018-02-01

This paper presents the first known vibration characteristics of moderately thick functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite rectangular plates on Pasternak foundation with arbitrary boundary conditions and internal line supports on the basis of the firstorder shear deformation theory. Different distributions of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) along the thickness are considered. Uniform and other three kinds of functionally graded distributions of carbon nanotubes along the thickness direction of plates are studied. The solutions carried out using an enhanced Ritz method mainly include the following three points: Firstly, create the Lagrange energy function by the energy principle; Secondly, as the main innovation point, the modified Fourier series are chosen as the basic functions of the admissible functions of the plates to eliminate all the relevant discontinuities of the displacements and their derivatives at the edges; Lastly, solve the natural frequencies as well as the associated mode shapes by means of the Ritz-variational energy method. In this study, the influences of the volume fraction of CNTs, distribution type of CNTs, boundary restrain parameters, location of the internal line supports, foundation coefficients on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the FG-CNT reinforced composite rectangular plates are presented.

Tuning the Outward to Inward Swelling in Lithiated Silicon Nanotubes via Surface Oxide Coating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Jiangwei; Luo, Hao; Liu, Yang

2016-09-14

The electrochemically-induced mechanical degradation hinders the application of Si anodes in advanced lithium-ion batteries. Hollow structures and surface coatings have been often used to mitigate the degradation of Si-based anodes. However, the structural change and degradation mechanism during lithiation/delithiation of hollow Si structures with coatings remain unclear. Here, we combine in situ TEM experiment and chemomechanical modeling to study the electrochemically induced swelling of amorphous-Si (a-Si) nanotubes with different thicknesses of surface SiOx layers. Surprisingly, we find that no inward expansion occurs at the inner surface during lithiation of a-Si nanotubes with native oxides. In contrast, inward expansion can bemore » induced by increasing the thickness of SiOx on the outer surface. Moreover, both the sandwich lithiation mechanism and two-stage lithiation process in a-Si nanotubes remain unchanged with the increasing thickness of surface coatings. Our chemomechanical modeling reveals the mechanical confinement effects in lithiated a-Si nanotubes with and without SiOx coatings. This work not only provides insights into the degradation of nanotube anodes with surface coatings, but also sheds light onto the optimal design of hollow anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.« less

Carbon nanotube filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, A.; Srivastava, O. N.; Talapatra, S.; Vajtai, R.; Ajayan, P. M.

2004-09-01

Over the past decade of nanotube research, a variety of organized nanotube architectures have been fabricated using chemical vapour deposition. The idea of using nanotube structures in separation technology has been proposed, but building macroscopic structures that have controlled geometric shapes, density and dimensions for specific applications still remains a challenge. Here we report the fabrication of freestanding monolithic uniform macroscopic hollow cylinders having radially aligned carbon nanotube walls, with diameters and lengths up to several centimetres. These cylindrical membranes are used as filters to demonstrate their utility in two important settings: the elimination of multiple components of heavy hydrocarbons from petroleum-a crucial step in post-distillation of crude oil-with a single-step filtering process, and the filtration of bacterial contaminants such as Escherichia coli or the nanometre-sized poliovirus (~25 nm) from water. These macro filters can be cleaned for repeated filtration through ultrasonication and autoclaving. The exceptional thermal and mechanical stability of nanotubes, and the high surface area, ease and cost-effective fabrication of the nanotube membranes may allow them to compete with ceramic- and polymer-based separation membranes used commercially.

Carbon nanotube filters.

PubMed

Srivastava, A; Srivastava, O N; Talapatra, S; Vajtai, R; Ajayan, P M

2004-09-01

Over the past decade of nanotube research, a variety of organized nanotube architectures have been fabricated using chemical vapour deposition. The idea of using nanotube structures in separation technology has been proposed, but building macroscopic structures that have controlled geometric shapes, density and dimensions for specific applications still remains a challenge. Here we report the fabrication of freestanding monolithic uniform macroscopic hollow cylinders having radially aligned carbon nanotube walls, with diameters and lengths up to several centimetres. These cylindrical membranes are used as filters to demonstrate their utility in two important settings: the elimination of multiple components of heavy hydrocarbons from petroleum-a crucial step in post-distillation of crude oil-with a single-step filtering process, and the filtration of bacterial contaminants such as Escherichia coli or the nanometre-sized poliovirus ( approximately 25 nm) from water. These macro filters can be cleaned for repeated filtration through ultrasonication and autoclaving. The exceptional thermal and mechanical stability of nanotubes, and the high surface area, ease and cost-effective fabrication of the nanotube membranes may allow them to compete with ceramic- and polymer-based separation membranes used commercially.

Flexural stiffness of the composite steel and fibre-reinforced concrete circular hollow section column

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tretyakov, A.; Tkalenko, I.; Wald, F.; Novak, J.; Stefan, R.; Kohoutková, A.

2017-09-01

The recent development in technology of production and transportation of steel fibre-reinforced concrete enables its utilization in composite steel-concrete structures. This work is a part of a project which focuses on development of mechanical behaviour of circular hollow section (CHS) composite steel and fibre-concrete (SFRC) columns at elevate temperature. Research includes two levels of accuracy/complexity, allowing simplified or advanced approach for design that follows upcoming changes in European standard for composite member design in fire EN1994-1-2 [1]. One part is dedicated to determination and description of flexural stiffness of the SFRC CHS columns. To determinate flexural stiffness were prepared series of pure bending tests at elevated and ambient temperature. Presented paper focuses on the results of the tests and determination of flexural stiffness at ambient temperature. Obtained outputs were compared to data of existing studies about concrete-filled tube members with plain concrete and values analytically calculated according to the existing European standard EN1994-1-1 [2].

Thickness limitations in carbon nanotube reinforced silicon nitride coatings synthesized by vapor infiltration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eres, Gyula

Chemical vapor infiltration is a convenient method for synthesizing carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced ceramic coatings. The thickness over which infiltration is relatively uniform is limited by gas phase diffusion in the pore structure. These effects were investigated in two types of silicon nitride matrix composites. With CNTs that were distributed uniformly on the substrate surface dense coatings were limited to thicknesses of several microns. With dual structured CNT arrays produced by photolithography coatings up to 400 gm thick were obtained with minimal residual porosity. Gas transport into these dual structured materials was facilitated by creating micron sized channels between "CNT pillars"more » (i.e. each pillar consisted of a large number of individual CNTs). The experimental results are consistent with basic comparisons between the rates of gas diffusion and silicon nitride growth in porous structures. This analysis also provides a general insight into optimizing infiltration conditions during the fabrication of thick CNT-reinforced composite coatings. (C) 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.« less

UV-light induced fabrication of CdCl2 nanotubes through CdSe/Te nanocrystals based on dimension and configuration control.

PubMed

Zeng, Jie; Liu, Chi; Huang, Jianliu; Wang, Xiaoping; Zhang, Shuyuan; Li, Gongpu; Hou, Jianguo

2008-05-01

Since the discovery of WS2 nanotubes in 1992 ( Nature 1992, 360, 444), there have been significant research efforts to synthesize nanotubes and fullerene-like hollow nanoparticles (HNPs) of inorganic materials ( Nat. Nanotechnol. 2006, 1, 103) due to their potential applications as solid lubrications ( J. Mater. Chem. 2005, 15, 1782), chemical sensing ( Adv. Funct. Mater. 2006, 16, 371), drug delivering ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 7316), catalysis ( Adv. Mater. 2006, 18, 2561), or quantum harvesting ( Acc. Chem. Res. 2006, 39, 239). Nanotubes can be produced either by rolling up directly from layer compounds ( Nature 2001, 410, 168) or through other mechanisms ( Adv. Mater. 2004, 16, 1497) such as template growth ( Nature 2003, 422, 599) and decomposition ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 4841). The Kirkendall effect, a classical phenomenon in metallurgy ( Trans. AIME 1947, 171, 130), was recently exploited to fabricate hollow 0-D nanocrystals ( Science 2004, 304, 711) as well as 1-D nanotubes ( Nat. Mater. 2006, 5, 627). Although the dimension of resulting hollow nanostructures depends on precursors, the hollow nanomaterials can also be organized into various dimensional nanostructures spontaneously or induced by an external field. In this letter, we report, for the first time, the UV-light induced fabrication of the ends-closed 1-D CdCl2 nanotubes from 0-D CdSe solid nanocrystals through the Kirkendall effect and the head-to-end assembled process. Our results demonstrate the possibility to control the dimension (0-D to 1-D) and the configuration (solid to hollow) of nanostructures simultaneously and have implications in fabricating hollow nano-objects from zero-dimensional to multidimensional.

Fabrication of porous chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) reinforced single-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites for neural tissue engineering.

PubMed

Shokrgozar, Mohammad Ali; Mottaghitalab, Fatemeh; Mottaghitalab, Vahid; Farokhi, Mehdi

2011-04-01

With the ability to form a nano-sized fibrous structure with large pore sizes mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM), electrospinning was used to fabricate chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT-CS/PVA) for potential use in neural tissue engineering. Moreover, ultrasonication was performed to fabricate highly dispersed SWNT/CS solution with 7%, 12%, and 17% SWNT content prior to electrospinning process. In the present study, a number of properties of CS/PVA reinforced SWNTs nanocomposites were evaluated. The in vitro biocompatibility of the electrospun fiber mats was also assessed using human brain-derived cells and U373 cell lines. The results have shown that SWNTs as reinforcing phase can augment the morphology, porosity, and structural properties of CS/PVA nanofiber composites and thus benefit the proliferation rate of both cell types. In addition, the cells exhibit their normal morphology while integrating with surrounding fibers. The results confirmed the potential of SWNT-CS/PVA nanocomposites as scaffold for neural tissue engineering.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of nickel coated multi walled carbon nanotube reinforced stainless steel 316L matrix composites by laser sintering process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahanthesha, P.; Mohankumar, G. C.

2018-04-01

Electroless Ni coated Multi-walled Carbon nanotubes reinforced with Stainless Steel 316L matrix composite was developed by Direct Metal Laser Sintering process (DMLS). Homogeneous mixture of Stainless Steel 316L powder and carbon nanotubes in different vol. % was obtained by using double cone blender machine. Characterization of electroless Ni coated carbon nanotubes was done by using X-ray diffraction, FESEM and EDS. Test samples were fabricated at different laser scan speeds. Effect of process parameters and CNT vol. % content on solidification microstructure and mechanical properties of test samples was investigated by using Optical microscopy, FESEM, and Hounsfield tensometer. Experimental results reveal DMLS process parameters affect the density and microstructure of sintered parts. Dense parts with minimum porosity when processed at low laser scan speeds and low CNT vol. %. Tensile fractured surface of test specimens evidences the survival of carbon nanotubes under high temperature processing condition.

Investigation of dielectric properties of polymer composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes in the frequency band of 0.01 Hz - 10 MHz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goshev, A. A.; Eseev, M. K.; Kapustin, S. N.; Vinnik, L. N.; Volkov, A. S.

2016-08-01

The goal of this work is experimental study of dielectric properties of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in alternating electric field in low frequency band of 0.01 Hz - 10 MHz. We investigated the influence, functionalization degree, aspect ratio, concentration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on dielectric properties of polymer sample. We also studied the dependence of dielectric properties on the polymerization temperature. The dependence of CNTs agglomeration on sample polymerization temperature and temperature's influence on conductivity has been shown. We conducted model calculation of percolation threshold and figured out its dependence on CNTs aspect ratio.

Hollow metal nanostructures for enhanced plasmonics (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Genç, Aziz; Patarroyo, Javier; Sancho-Parramon, Jordi; Duchamp, Martial; Gonzalez, Edgar; Bastus, Neus G.; Houben, Lothar; Dunin-Borkowski, Rafal; Puntes, Victor F.; Arbiol, Jordi

2016-03-01

Complex metal nanoparticles offer a great playground for plasmonic nanoengineering, where it is possible to cover plasmon resonances from ultraviolet to near infrared by modifying the morphologies from solid nanocubes to nanoframes, multiwalled hollow nanoboxes or even nanotubes with hybrid (alternating solid and hollow) structures. We experimentally show that structural modifications, i.e. void size and final morphology, are the dominant determinants for the final plasmonic properties, while compositional variations allow us to get a fine tuning. EELS mappings of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) reveal an enhanced plasmon field inside the voids of hollow AuAg nanostructures along with a more homogeneous distributions of the plasmon fields around the nanostructures. With the present methodology and the appropriate samples we are able to compare the effects of hybridization at the nanoscale in hollow nanostructures. Boundary element method (BEM) simulations also reveal the effects of structural nanoengineering on plasmonic properties of hollow metal nanostructures. Possibility of tuning the LSPR properties of hollow metal nanostructures in a wide range of energy by modifying the void size/shell thickness is shown by BEM simulations, which reveals that void size is the dominant factor for tuning the LSPRs. As a proof of concept for enhanced plasmonic properties, we show effective label free sensing of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with some of our hollow nanostructures. In addition, the different plasmonic modes observed have also been studied and mapped in 3D.

Thermionic Emission of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Measured

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, Geoffrey A.; Krainsky, Isay L.; Bailey, Sheila G.; Elich, Jeffrey M.; Landi, Brian J.; Gennett, Thomas; Raffaelle, Ryne P.

2004-01-01

Researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center, in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology, have investigated the thermionic properties of high-purity, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) for use as electron-emitting electrodes. Carbon nanotubes are a recently discovered material made from carbon atoms bonded into nanometer-scale hollow tubes. Such nanotubes have remarkable properties. An extremely high aspect ratio, as well as unique mechanical and electronic properties, make single-wall nanotubes ideal for use in a vast array of applications. Carbon nanotubes typically have diameters on the order of 1 to 2 nm. As a result, the ends have a small radius of curvature. It is these characteristics, therefore, that indicate they might be excellent potential candidates for both thermionic and field emission.

Fabrication of a novel nanocomposite based on sol-gel process for hollow fiber-solid phase microextraction of aflatoxins: B1 and B2, in cereals combined with high performane liquid chromatography-diode array detection.

PubMed

Es'haghi, Zarrin; Sorayaei, Hoda; Samadi, Fateme; Masrournia, Mahboubeh; Bakherad, Zohreh

2011-10-15

The new pre-concentration technique, hollow fiber-solid phase microextraction based on carbon nanotube reinforced sol-gel and liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection was applied to determination of aflatoxins B(1), B(2) (AFB(1), AFB(2)) in rice, peanut and wheat samples. This research provides an overview of trends related to synthesis of solid phase microextraction (SPME) sorbnents that improves the assay of aflatoxins as the semi-polar compounds in several real samples. It mainly includes summary and a list of the results for a simple carbon nanotube reinforced sol-gel in-fiber device. This device was used for extraction, pre-concentration and determination of aflatoxins B1, B2 in real samples. In this technique carbon nanotube reinforced sol was prepared by the sol-gel method via the reaction of phenyl trimethoxysilane (PTMS) with a basic catalyst (tris hydroxymethyl aminomethan). The influences of microextraction parameters such as pH, ageing time, carbon nanotube contents, desorption conditions, desorption solvent and agitation speed were investigated. Optimal HPLC conditions were: C(18) reversed phase column for separation, water-acetonitril-methanol (35:10:55) as the mobile phase and maximum wavelength for detection was 370 nm. The method was evaluated statistically and under optimized conditions, the detection limits for the analytes were 0.074 and 0.061 ng/mL for B1 and B2 respectively. Limit of quantification for B1 and B2 was 0.1 ng/mL too (n=7). The precisions were in the range of 2.829-2.976% (n=3), and linear ranges were within 0.1 and 400 ng/mL. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of cereals (peanut, wheat, rice) with the relative recoveries from 47.43% to 106.83%. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Constitutive Modeling of Nanotube/Polymer Composites with Various Nanotube Orientations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Odegard, Gregory M.; Gates, Thomas S.

2002-01-01

In this study, a technique has been proposed for developing constitutive models for polymer composite systems reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) with various orientations with respect to the bulk material coordinates. A nanotube, the local polymer adjacent to the nanotube, and the nanotube/polymer interface have been modeled as an equivalent-continuum fiber by using an equivalent-continuum modeling method. The equivalent-continuum fiber accounts for the local molecular structure and bonding information and serves as a means for incorporating micromechanical analyses for the prediction of bulk mechanical properties of SWNT/polymer composite. As an example, the proposed approach is used for the constitutive modeling of a SWNT/LaRC-SI (with a PmPV interface) composite system, with aligned nanotubes, three-dimensionally randomly oriented nanotubes, and nanotubes oriented with varying degrees of axisymmetry. It is shown that the Young s modulus is highly dependent on the SWNT orientation distribution.

Boron Nitride Nanotubes Synthesized by Pressurized Reactive Milling Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurst, Janet B.

2004-01-01

Nanotubes, because of their very high strength, are attractive as reinforcement materials for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Recently there has been considerable interest in developing and applying carbon nanotubes for both electronic and structural applications. Although carbon nanotubes can be used to reinforce composites, they oxidize at high temperatures and, therefore, may not be suitable for ceramic composites. Boron nitride, because it has a higher oxidation resistance than carbon, could be a potential reinforcement material for ceramic composites. Although boron nitride nanotubes (BNnT) are known to be structurally similar to carbon nanotubes, they have not undergone the same extensive scrutiny that carbon nanotubes have experienced in recent years. This has been due to the difficulty in synthesizing this material rather than lack of interest in the material. We expect that BNnTs will maintain the high strength of carbon nanotubes while offering superior performance for the high-temperature and/or corrosive applications of interest to NASA. At the NASA Glenn Research of preparing BN-nTs were investigated and compared. These include the arc jet process, the reactive milling process, and chemical vapor deposition. The most successful was a pressurized reactive milling process that synthesizes BN-nTs of reasonable quantities.

Hierarchical Tubular Structures Composed of Co3 O4 Hollow Nanoparticles and Carbon Nanotubes for Lithium Storage.

PubMed

Chen, Yu Ming; Yu, Le; Lou, Xiong Wen David

2016-05-10

Hierarchical tubular structures composed of Co3 O4 hollow nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been synthesized by an efficient multi-step route. Starting from polymer-cobalt acetate (Co(Ac)2 ) composite nanofibers, uniform polymer-Co(Ac)2 @zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) core-shell nanofibers are first synthesized via partial phase transformation with 2-methylimidazole in ethanol. After the selective dissolution of polymer-Co(Ac)2 cores, the resulting ZIF-67 tubular structures can be converted into hierarchical CNTs/Co-carbon hybrids by annealing in Ar/H2 atmosphere. Finally, the hierarchical CNT/Co3 O4 microtubes are obtained by a subsequent thermal treatment in air. Impressively, the as-prepared nanocomposite delivers a high reversible capacity of 1281 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) with exceptional rate capability and long cycle life over 200 cycles as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Single-crystal gallium nitride nanotubes.

PubMed

Goldberger, Joshua; He, Rongrui; Zhang, Yanfeng; Lee, Sangkwon; Yan, Haoquan; Choi, Heon-Jin; Yang, Peidong

2003-04-10

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes in 1991 (ref. 1), there have been significant research efforts to synthesize nanometre-scale tubular forms of various solids. The formation of tubular nanostructure generally requires a layered or anisotropic crystal structure. There are reports of nanotubes made from silica, alumina, silicon and metals that do not have a layered crystal structure; they are synthesized by using carbon nanotubes and porous membranes as templates, or by thin-film rolling. These nanotubes, however, are either amorphous, polycrystalline or exist only in ultrahigh vacuum. The growth of single-crystal semiconductor hollow nanotubes would be advantageous in potential nanoscale electronics, optoelectronics and biochemical-sensing applications. Here we report an 'epitaxial casting' approach for the synthesis of single-crystal GaN nanotubes with inner diameters of 30-200 nm and wall thicknesses of 5-50 nm. Hexagonal ZnO nanowires were used as templates for the epitaxial overgrowth of thin GaN layers in a chemical vapour deposition system. The ZnO nanowire templates were subsequently removed by thermal reduction and evaporation, resulting in ordered arrays of GaN nanotubes on the substrates. This templating process should be applicable to many other semiconductor systems.

Influence of carbon nanotubes on the properties of epoxy based composites reinforced with a semicrystalline thermoplastic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díez-Pascual, A.; Shuttleworth, P.; Gónzalez-Castillo, E.; Marco, C.; Gómez-Fatou, M.; Ellis, G.

2014-08-01

Novel ternary nanocomposites based on a thermoset (TS) system composed of triglycidyl p-aminophenol (TGAP) epoxy resin and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) curing agent incorporating 5 wt% of a semicrystalline thermoplastic (TP), an ethylene/1-octene copolymer, and 0.5 or 1.0 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been prepared via physical blending and curing. The influence of the TP and the MWCNTs on the curing process, morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the hybrid nanocomposites has been analyzed. Different morphologies evolved depending on the CNT content: the material with 0.5 wt% MWCNTs showed a matrix-dispersed droplet-like morphology with well-dispersed nanofiller that selectively located at the TS/TP interphase, while that with 1.0 wt% MWCNTs exhibited coarse dendritic TP areas containing agglomerated MWCNTs. Although the cure reaction was accelerated in its early stage by the nanofillers, curing occurred at a lower rate since these obstructed chain crosslinking. The nanocomposite with lower nanotube content displayed two crystallization peaks at lower temperature than that of pure TP, while a single peak appearing at similar temperature to that of TP was observed for the blend with higher nanotube loading. The highest thermal stability was found for TS/TP (5.0 wt%)/MWCNTs (0.5 wt%), due to a synergistic barrier effect of both TP and the nanofiller. Moreover, this nanocomposite displayed the best mechanical properties, with an optimal combination of stiffness, strength and toughness. However, poorer performance was found for TS/TP (5.0 wt%)/MWCNTs (1.0 wt%) due to the less effective reinforcement of the agglomerated nanotubes and the coalescence of the TP particles into large areas. Therefore, finely tuned morphologies and properties can be obtained by adjusting the nanotube content in the TS/TP blends, leading to high-performance hybrid nanocomposites suitable for structural and high-temperature applications.

Blowing Carbon Nanotubes to Carbon Nanobulbs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, D. S.; Zhu, Z. P.; Lu, Y.; Schlögl, R.; Weinberg, G.; Liu, Z. Y.

2004-09-01

We report the blowing of multi-walled carbon nanotubes into carbon nanobulbs. This is realized in a unique tube growth environment generated by explosive decomposition of picric acid mixed with nickel formate. The carbon spherical bulbs are characterized by large dimensions (up to 900 nm), thin walls (around 10 nm), and fully hollow cores. The walls are in graphitic structure of sp2 hybridized carbons. Bulb-tube assemblies are found as intermediate derivatives of blowing. A joint action of the filled high-pressure gases and the structural defects in the carbon nanotubes is responsible to the formation of the carbon nanobulbs. Our finding may indicate the possibility to engineer the carbon nanotubes to the designed nanostructures.

Characterization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Hydroxyapatite Composites Consolidated by Spark Plasma Sintering

PubMed Central

Kim, Duk-Yeon; Han, Young-Hwan; Lee, Jun Hee; Kang, Inn-Kyu; Jang, Byung-Koog; Kim, Sukyoung

2014-01-01

Pure HA and 1, 3, 5, and 10 vol% multiwalled carbon nanotube- (MWNT-) reinforced hydroxyapatite (HA) were consolidated using a spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The relative density of pure HA increased with increasing sintering temperature, but that of the MWNT/HA composite reached almost full density at 900°C, and then decreased with further increases in sintering temperature. The relative density of the MWNT/HA composites increased with increasing MWNT content due to the excellent thermal conductivity of MWNTs. The grain size of MWNT/HA composites decreased with increasing MWNT content and increased with increasing sintering temperature. Pull-out toughening of the MWNTs of the MWNT/HA composites was observed in the fractured surface, which can be used to predict the improvement of the mechanical properties. On the other hand, the existence of undispersed or agglomerate MWNTs in the MWNT/HA composites accompanied large pores. The formation of large pores increased with increasing sintering temperature and MWNT content. The addition of MWNT in HA increased the hardness and fracture toughness by approximately 3~4 times, despite the presence of large pores produced by un-dispersed MWNTs. This provides strong evidence as to why the MWNTs are good candidates as reinforcements for strengthening the ceramic matrix. The MWNT/HA composites did not decompose during SPS sintering. The MWNT-reinforced HA composites were non-toxic and showed a good cell affinity and morphology in vitro for 1 day. PMID:24724100

Defect engineering of the electrochemical characteristics of carbon nanotube varieties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoefer, Mark A.; Bandaru, Prabhakar R.

2010-08-01

The electrochemical behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) containing both intrinsic and extrinsically introduced defects has been investigated through the study of bamboo and hollow multiwalled CNT morphologies. The controlled addition of argon ions was used for varying the charge and type of extrinsic defects. It was indicated from Raman spectroscopy and voltammetry that the electrocatalytic response of hollow type CNTs could be tailored more significantly, compared to bamboo type CNTs which have innately high reactive site densities and are less amenable to modification. An in-plane correlation length parameter was used to understand the variation of the defect density as a function of argon ion irradiation. The work has implications in the design of nanotube based chemical sensors, facilitated through the introduction of suitable reactive sites.

Pseudo-bi-enzyme glucose sensor: ZnS hollow spheres and glucose oxidase concerted catalysis glucose.

PubMed

Shuai, Ying; Liu, Changhua; Wang, Jia; Cui, Xiaoyan; Nie, Ling

2013-06-07

This work creatively uses peroxidase-like ZnS hollow spheres (ZnS HSs) to cooperate with glucose oxidase (GOx) for glucose determinations. This approach is that the ZnS HSs electrocatalytically oxidate the enzymatically generated H2O2 to O2, and then the O2 circularly participates in the previous glucose oxidation by glucose oxidase. Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used as electron transfer and enzyme immobilization matrices, respectively. The biosensor of glucose oxidase-carbon nanotubes-Au nanoparticles-ZnS hollow spheres-gold electrode (GOx-CNT-AuNPs-ZnS HSs-GE) exhibits a rapid response, a low detection limit (10 μM), a wide linear range (20 μM to 7 mM) as well as good anti-interference, long-term longevity and reproducibility.

Application of carbon nanotubes modified with a Keggin polyoxometalate as a new sorbent for the hollow-fiber micro-solid-phase extraction of trace naproxen in hair samples with fluorescence spectrophotometry using factorial experimental design.

PubMed

Naddaf, Ezzat; Ebrahimi, Mahmoud; Es'haghi, Zarrin; Bamoharram, Fatemeh Farrash

2015-07-01

A sensitive technique to determinate naproxen in hair samples was developed using hollow-fiber micro-solid-phase combined with fluorescence spectrophotometry. The incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified with a Keggin polyoxometalate into a silica matrix prepared by the sol-gel method was reported. In this research, the Keggin carbon nanotubes /silica composite was used in the pores and lumen of a hollow fiber as the hollow-fiber micro-solid-phase extraction device. The device was used for the microextraction of the analyte from hair and water samples under the optimized conditions. An orthogonal array experimental design with an OA24 (4(6) ) matrix was employed to optimize the conditions. The effect of six factors influencing the extraction efficiency was investigated: pH, salt, volume of donor and desorption phase, extraction and desorption time. The effect of each factor was estimated using individual contributions as response functions in the screening process. Analysis of variance was employed for estimating the main significant factors and their contributions in the extraction. Calibration curve plot displayed linearity over a range of 0.2-10 ng/mL with detection limits of 0.072 and 0.08 ng/mL for hair and aqueous samples, respectively. The relative recoveries in the hair and aqueous matrices ranged from 103-95%. The relative standard deviation for fiber-to-fiber repeatability was 3.9%. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites Produced by High-Energy Ball Milling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Travessa, Dilermando N.; da Rocha, Geovana V. B.; Cardoso, Kátia R.; Lieblich, Marcela

2017-05-01

Although multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are promising materials to strengthen lightweight aluminum matrix composites, their dispersion into the metallic matrix is challenge. In the present work, MWCNT were dispersed into age-hardenable AA6061 aluminum alloy by high-energy ball milling and the blend was subsequently hot-extruded. The composite bars obtained were heat-treated by solution heat treatment at 520 °C and artificially aged at 177 °C for 8 h, in order to reach the T6 temper. Special attention was given to the integrity of the MWCNT along the entire composite production. The microstructure of the obtained bars was evaluated by optical and scanning electron microscopy, and the mechanical properties were evaluated by Vickers microhardness tests. Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were employed to evaluate the structural integrity of MWCNT. It was found that milling time is critical to reach a proper dispersion of the reinforcing phase. The composite hardness increased up to 67% with the dispersion of 2% in weight of MWCNT, when comparing with un-reinforced bars produced by similar route. However, age hardening was not observed in composite bars after heat treatment. It was also found that MWCNT continuously degraded along the process, being partially converted into Al4C3 in the final composite.

Fine-tunable plasma nano-machining for fabrication of 3D hollow nanostructures: SERS application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehrvar, L.; Hajihoseini, H.; Mahmoodi, H.; Tavassoli, S. H.; Fathipour, M.; Mohseni, S. M.

2017-08-01

Novel processing sequences for the fabrication of artificial nanostructures are in high demand for various applications. In this paper, we report on a fine-tunable nano-machining technique for the fabrication of 3D hollow nanostructures. This technique originates from redeposition effects occurring during Ar dry etching of nano-patterns. Different geometries of honeycomb, double ring, nanotube, cone and crescent arrays have been successfully fabricated from various metals such as Au, Ag, Pt and Ti. The geometrical parameters of the 3D hollow nanostructures can be straightforwardly controlled by tuning the discharge plasma pressure and power. The structure and morphology of nanostructures are probed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Finally, a Ag nanotube array was assayed for application in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), resulting in an enhancement factor (EF) of 5.5 × 105, as an experimental validity proof consistent with the presented simulation framework. Furthermore, it was found that the theoretical EF value for the honeycomb array is in the order of 107, a hundred times greater than that found in nanotube array.

Effect of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polyamide-6/Polypropylene Composites for Lightweight Automotive Parts.

PubMed

Nguyen-Tran, Huu-Duc; Hoang, Van-Tho; Do, Van-Ta; Chun, Doo-Man; Yum, Young-Jin

2018-03-15

The development of lightweight automotive parts is an important issue for improving the efficiency of vehicles. Polymer composites have been widely applied to reduce weight and improve mechanical properties by mixing polymers with carbon fibers, glass fibers, and carbon nanotubes. Polypropylene (PP) has been added to carbon fiber-reinforced nylon-6 (CF/PA6) composite to achieve further weight reduction and water resistance. However, the mechanical properties were reduced by the addition of PP. In this research, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added to compensate for the reduced mechanical properties experienced when adding PP. Tensile testing and bending tests were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties. A small amount of CNTs improved the mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced PA6/PP composites. For example, the density of CF/PA6 was reduced from 1.214 to 1.131 g/cm³ (6.8%) by adding 30 wt % PP, and the tensile strength of 30 wt % PP composite was improved from 168 to 173 MPa (3.0%) by adding 0.5 wt % CNTs with small increase of density (1.135 g/cm³). The developed composite will be widely used for lightweight automotive parts with improved mechanical properties.

Hollow Block Copolymer Nanoparticles through a Spontaneous One-Step Structural Reorganization

PubMed Central

Petzetakis, Nikos; Robin, Mathew P.; Patterson, Joseph P.; Kelley, Elizabeth G.; Cotanda, Pepa; Bomans, Paul H. H.; Sommerdijk, Nico A. J. M.; Dove, Andrew P.; Epps, Thomas H.; O'Reilly, Rachel K.

2013-01-01

The spontaneous one-step synthesis of hollow nanocages and nanotubes from spherical and cylindrical micelles based on poly(acrylic acid)-b-polylactide (P(AA)-b-P(LA)) block copolymers (BCPs) has been achieved. This structural reorganization, which occurs simply upon drying of the samples, was elucidated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We show that it was necessary to use stain-free imaging to examine these nanoscale assemblies, as the hollow nature of the particles was obscured by application of a heavy metal stain. Additionally, the internal topology of the P(AA)-b-P(LA) particles could be tuned by manipulating the drying conditions to give solid or compartmentalized structures. Upon re-suspension, these reorganized nanoparticles retain their hollow structure and can be display significantly enhanced loading of a hydrophobic dye compared to the original cylinders. PMID:23391297

Micromechanical characterization of single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced ethylidene norbornene nanocomposites for self-healing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aïssa, B.; Haddad, E.; Jamroz, W.; Hassani, S.; Farahani, R. D.; Merle, P. G.; Therriault, D.

2012-10-01

We report on the fabrication of self-healing nanocomposite materials, consisting of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) reinforced 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (5E2N) healing agent—reacted with ruthenium Grubbs catalyst—by means of ultrasonication, followed by a three-roll mixing mill process. The kinetics of the 5E2N ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) was studied as a function of the reaction temperature and the SWCNT loads. Our results demonstrated that the ROMP reaction was still effective in a large temperature domain ( - 15-45 °C), occurring at very short time scales (less than 1 min at 40 °C). On the other hand, the micro-indentation analysis performed on the SWCNT/5E2N nanocomposite material after its ROMP polymerization showed a clear increase in both the hardness and the Young modulus—up to nine times higher than that of the virgin polymer—when SWCNT loads range only from 0.1 to 2 wt%. The approach demonstrated here opens new prospects for using carbon nanotube and healing agent nanocomposite materials for self-repair functionality, especially in a space environment.

Characterization of MWCNT/Nanoclay Binary Nanoparticles Modified Composites and Fatigue Performance Evaluation of Nanoclay Modified Fiber Reinforced Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-21

modified with binary nanoparticles consist of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nanoclays together. First, epoxy SC-15 resin was reinforced...modified with binary nanoparticles consist of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nanoclays together. First, epoxy SC-15 resin was reinforced with...7 2.2.1 Carbon Nanotube

Boron nitride nanotube reinforced polylactide-polycaprolactone copolymer composite: mechanical properties and cytocompatibility with osteoblasts and macrophages in vitro.

PubMed

Lahiri, Debrupa; Rouzaud, Francois; Richard, Tanisha; Keshri, Anup K; Bakshi, Srinivasa R; Kos, Lidia; Agarwal, Arvind

2010-09-01

Biodegradable polylactide-polycaprolactone copolymer (PLC) has been reinforced with 0, 2 and 5wt.% boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) for orthopedic scaffold application. Elastic modulus of the PLC-5wt.% BNNT composite, evaluated through nanoindentation technique, shows a 1370% increase. The same amount of BNNT addition to PLC enhances the tensile strength by 109%, without any adverse effect on the ductility up to 240% elongation. Interactions of the osteoblasts and macrophages with bare BNNTs prove them to be non-cytotoxic. PLC-BNNT composites displayed increased osteoblast cell viability as compared to the PLC matrix. The addition of BNNTs also resulted in an increase in the expression levels of the Runx2 gene, the main regulator of osteoblast differentiation. These results indicate that BNNT is a potential reinforcement for composites for orthopedic applications. 2010 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment the potential of using Carbon nanotubes reinforcements for improving the tensile/flexural strength and fracture toughness of Portland cement paste for damage resistant concrete transportation infrastructures.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-09-01

The focus of this study was on exploring the use of nanotechnology-based nano-filaments, such as carbon : nanotubes (CNTs) and nanofibers (CNFs), as reinforcement in improving the mechanical properties of Portland : cement paste as a construction mat...

Hollow-core FRP-concrete-steel bridge columns under extreme loading.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-04-01

This report presents the behavior of hollow-core fiber reinforced polymer concrete - steel columns (HC-FCS) under : combined axial-flexural as well as vehicle collision loads. The HC-FCS column consists of a concrete wall sandwiched between an ou...

Reinforcement of single-walled carbon nanotube bundles by intertube bridging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kis, A.; Csányi, G.; Salvetat, J.-P.; Lee, Thien-Nga; Couteau, E.; Kulik, A. J.; Benoit, W.; Brugger, J.; Forró, L.

2004-03-01

During their production, single-walled carbon nanotubes form bundles. Owing to the weak van der Waals interaction that holds them together in the bundle, the tubes can easily slide on each other, resulting in a shear modulus comparable to that of graphite. This low shear modulus is also a major obstacle in the fabrication of macroscopic fibres composed of carbon nanotubes. Here, we have introduced stable links between neighbouring carbon nanotubes within bundles, using moderate electron-beam irradiation inside a transmission electron microscope. Concurrent measurements of the mechanical properties using an atomic force microscope show a 30-fold increase of the bending modulus, due to the formation of stable crosslinks that effectively eliminate sliding between the nanotubes. Crosslinks were modelled using first-principles calculations, showing that interstitial carbon atoms formed during irradiation in addition to carboxyl groups, can independently lead to bridge formation between neighbouring nanotubes.

Estimation of Effective Directional Strength of Single Walled Wavy CNT Reinforced Nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhowmik, Krishnendu; Kumar, Pranav; Khutia, Niloy; Chowdhury, Amit Roy

2018-03-01

In this present work, single walled wavy carbon nanotube reinforced into composite has been studied to predict the effective directional strength of the nanocomposite. The effect of waviness on the overall Young’s modulus of the composite has been analysed using three dimensional finite element model. Waviness pattern of carbon nanotube is considered as periodic cosine function. Both long (continuous) and short (discontinuous) carbon nanotubes are being idealized as solid annular tube. Short carbon nanotube is modelled with hemispherical cap at its both ends. Representative Volume Element models have been developed with different waviness, height fractions, volume fractions and modulus ratios of carbon nanotubes. Consequently a micromechanics based analytical model has been formulated to derive the effective reinforcing modulus of wavy carbon nanotubes. In these models wavy single walled wavy carbon nanotubes are considered to be aligned along the longitudinal axis of the Representative Volume Element model. Results obtained from finite element analyses are compared with analytical model and they are found in good agreement.

Functionalization of carbon nanotubes: Characterization, modeling and composite applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shiren

Carbon nanotubes have demonstrated exceptional mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, and are regarded as one of the most promising reinforcement materials for the next generation of high performance structural and multifunctional composites. However, to date, most application attempts have been hindered by several technical roadblocks, such as poor dispersion and weak interfacial bonding. In this dissertation, several innovative functionalization methods were proposed, studied to overcome these technical issues in order to realize the full potential of nanotubes as reinforcement. These functionalization methods included precision sectioning of nanotubes using an ultra-microtome, electron-beam irradiation, amino and epoxide group grafting. The characterization results of atomic force microscope, transmission electronic microscope and Raman suggested that aligned carbon nanotubes can be precisely sectioned with controlled length and minimum sidewall damage. This study also designed and demonstrated new covalent functionalization approaches through unique epoxy-grafting and one-step amino-grafting, which have potential of scale-up for composite applications. In addition, the dissertation also successfully tailored the structure and properties of the thin nanotube film through electron beam irradiation. Significant improvement of both mechanical and electrical conducting properties of the irradiated nanotube films or buckypapers was achieved. All these methods demonstrated effectiveness in improving dispersion and interfacial bonding in the epoxy resin, resulting in considerable improvements in composite mechanical properties. Modeling of functionalization methods also provided further understanding and offered the reasonable explanations of SWNTs length distribution as well as carbon nanostructure transformation upon electron-beam irradiation. Both experimental and modeling results provide important foundations for the further comprehensively investigation of

Diameter-dependent wetting of tungsten disulfide nanotubes

PubMed Central

Goldbart, Ohad; Cohen, Sidney R.; Kaplan-Ashiri, Ifat; Glazyrina, Polina; Wagner, H. Daniel; Enyashin, Andrey; Tenne, Reshef

2016-01-01

The simple process of a liquid wetting a solid surface is controlled by a plethora of factors—surface texture, liquid droplet size and shape, energetics of both liquid and solid surfaces, as well as their interface. Studying these events at the nanoscale provides insights into the molecular basis of wetting. Nanotube wetting studies are particularly challenging due to their unique shape and small size. Nonetheless, the success of nanotubes, particularly inorganic ones, as fillers in composite materials makes it essential to understand how common liquids wet them. Here, we present a comprehensive wetting study of individual tungsten disulfide nanotubes by water. We reveal the nature of interaction at the inert outer wall and show that remarkably high wetting forces are attained on small, open-ended nanotubes due to capillary aspiration into the hollow core. This study provides a theoretical and experimental paradigm for this intricate problem. PMID:27856759

Simultaneous quantification of arginine, alanine, methionine and cysteine amino acids in supplements using a novel bioelectro-nanosensor based on CdSe quantum dot/modified carbon nanotube hollow fiber pencil graphite electrode via Taguchi method.

PubMed

Hooshmand, Sara; Es'haghi, Zarrin

2017-11-30

A number of four amino acids have been simultaneously determined at CdSe quantum dot-modified/multi-walled carbon nanotube hollow fiber pencil graphite electrode in different bodybuilding supplements. CdSe quantum dots were synthesized and applied to construct a modified carbon nanotube hollow fiber pencil graphite electrode. FT-IR, TEM, XRD and EDAX methods were applied for characterization of the synthesized CdSe QDs. The electro-oxidation of arginine (Arg), alanine (Ala), methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys) at the surface of the modified electrode was studied. Then the Taguchi's method was applied using MINITAB 17 software to find out the optimum conditions for the amino acids determination. Under the optimized conditions, the differential pulse (DP) voltammetric peak currents of Arg, Ala, Met and Cys increased linearly with their concentrations in the ranges of 0.287-33670μM and detection limits of 0.081, 0.158, 0.094 and 0.116μM were obtained for them, respectively. Satisfactory results were achieved for calibration and validation sets. The prepared modified electrode represents a very good resolution between the voltammetric peaks of the four amino acids which makes it suitable for the detection of each in presence of others in real samples. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Hollow optical fiber induced solar cells with optical energy storage and conversion.

PubMed

Ding, Jie; Zhao, Yuanyuan; Duan, Jialong; Duan, Yanyan; Tang, Qunwei

2017-11-09

Hollow optical fiber induced dye-sensitized solar cells are made by twisting Ti wire/N719-TiO 2 nanotube photoanodes and Ti wire/Pt (CoSe, Pt 3 Ni) counter electrodes, yielding a maximized efficiency of 0.7% and good stability. Arising from optical energy storage ability, the solar cells can generate electricity without laser illumination.

Overview of SBIR Phase II Work on Hollow Graphite Fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stallcup, Michael; Brantley, Lott W. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Ultra-Lightweight materials are enabling for producing space based optical components and support structures. Heretofore, innovative designs using existing materials has been the approach to produce lighter-weight optical systems. Graphite fiber reinforced composites, because of their light weight, have been a material of frequent choice to produce space based optical components. Hollow graphite fibers would be lighter than standard solid graphite fibers and, thus, would save weight in optical components. The Phase I SBIR program demonstrated it is possible to produce hollow carbon fibers that have strengths up to 4.2 GPa which are equivalent to commercial fibers, and composites made from the hollow fibers had substantially equivalent composite strengths as commercial fiber composites at a 46% weight savings. The Phase II SBIR program will optimize processing and properties of the hollow carbon fiber and scale-up processing to produce sufficient fiber for fabricating a large ultra-lightweight mirror for delivery to NASA. Information presented here includes an overview of the strength of some preliminary hollow fibers, photographs of those fibers, and a short discussion of future plans.

Effect of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polyamide-6/Polypropylene Composites for Lightweight Automotive Parts

PubMed Central

Nguyen-Tran, Huu-Duc; Do, Van-Ta; Yum, Young-Jin

2018-01-01

The development of lightweight automotive parts is an important issue for improving the efficiency of vehicles. Polymer composites have been widely applied to reduce weight and improve mechanical properties by mixing polymers with carbon fibers, glass fibers, and carbon nanotubes. Polypropylene (PP) has been added to carbon fiber-reinforced nylon-6 (CF/PA6) composite to achieve further weight reduction and water resistance. However, the mechanical properties were reduced by the addition of PP. In this research, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were added to compensate for the reduced mechanical properties experienced when adding PP. Tensile testing and bending tests were carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties. A small amount of CNTs improved the mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced PA6/PP composites. For example, the density of CF/PA6 was reduced from 1.214 to 1.131 g/cm3 (6.8%) by adding 30 wt % PP, and the tensile strength of 30 wt % PP composite was improved from 168 to 173 MPa (3.0%) by adding 0.5 wt % CNTs with small increase of density (1.135 g/cm3). The developed composite will be widely used for lightweight automotive parts with improved mechanical properties. PMID:29543754

Halloysite clay nanotubes for resveratrol delivery to cancer cells.

PubMed

Vergaro, Viviana; Lvov, Yuri M; Leporatti, Stefano

2012-09-01

Halloysite is natural aluminosilicate clay with hollow tubular structure which allows loading with low soluble drugs using their saturated solutions in organic solvents. Resveratrol, a polyphenol known for having antioxidant and antineoplastic properties, is loaded inside these clay nanotubes lumens. Release time of 48 h is demonstrated. Spectroscopic and ζ-potential measurements are used to study the drug loading/release and for monitoring the nanotube layer-by-layer (LbL) coating with polyelectrolytes for further release control. Resveratrol-loaded clay nanotubes are added to breast cell cultures for toxicity tests. Halloysite functionalization with LbL polyelectrolyte multilayers remarkably decrease nanotube self-toxicity. MTT measurements performed with a neoplastic cell lines model system (MCF-7) as function of the resveratrol-loaded nanotubes concentration and incubation time indicate that drug-loaded halloysite strongly increase of cytotoxicity leading to cell apoptosis. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High-performance non-enzymatic catalysts based on 3D hierarchical hollow porous Co3O4 nanododecahedras in situ decorated on carbon nanotubes for glucose detection and biofuel cell application.

PubMed

Wang, Shiyue; Zhang, Xiaohua; Huang, Junlin; Chen, Jinhua

2018-03-01

In this work, high-performance non-enzymatic catalysts based on 3D hierarchical hollow porous Co 3 O 4 nanododecahedras in situ decorated on carbon nanotubes (3D Co 3 O 4 -HPND/CNTs) were successfully prepared via direct carbonizing metal-organic framework-67 in situ grown on carbon nanotubes. The morphology, microstructure, and composite of 3D Co 3 O 4 -HPND/CNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, micropore and chemisorption analyzer, and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical characterizations indicated that 3D Co 3 O 4 -HPND/CNTs present considerably catalytic activity toward glucose oxidation and could be promising for constructing high-performance electrochemical non-enzymatic glucose sensors and glucose/O 2 biofuel cell. When used for non-enzymatic glucose detection, the 3D Co 3 O 4 -HPND/CNTs modified glassy carbon electrode (3D Co 3 O 4 -HPND/CNTs/GCE) exhibited excellent analytical performance with high sensitivity (22.21 mA mM -1  cm -2 ), low detection limit of 0.35 μM (S/N = 3), fast response (less than 5 s) and good stability. On the other hand, when the 3D Co 3 O 4 -HPND/CNTs/GCE worked as an anode of a biofuel cell, a maximum power density of 210 μW cm -2 at 0.15 V could be obtained, and the open circuit potential was 0.68 V. The attractive 3D hierarchical porous structural features, the large surface area, and the excellent conductivity based on the continuous and effective electron transport network in 3D Co 3 O 4 -HPND/CNTs endow 3D Co 3 O 4 -HPND/CNTs with the enhanced electrochemical performance and promising applications in electrochemical sensing, biofuel cell, and other energy storage and conversion devices such as supercapacitor. Graphical abstract High-performance non-enzymatic catalysts for enzymeless glucose sensing and biofuel cell based on 3D hierarchical hollow porous Co 3 O 4 nanododecahedras anchored on carbon nanotubes were successfully prepared via direct carbonizing

Interfacial adhesion improvement in carbon fiber/carbon nanotube reinforced hybrid composites by the application of a reactive hybrid resin initiated by gamma irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szebényi, G.; Faragó, D.; Lámfalusi, Cs.; Göbl, R.

2018-04-01

Interfacial adhesion is a key factor in composite materials. The effective co-working of the reinforcing materials and matrix is essential for the proper load transfer between them, and to achieve the desired reinforcing effect. In case of nanocomposites, especially carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced nanocomposites the adhesion between the CNTs and the polymer matrix is poor. To improve the interfacial adhesion and exploit the reinforcing effect of these nanoparticles a two step curable epoxy (EP)/vinylester (VE) hybrid resin system was developed where the EP is cured using hardener in the first step, during the composite production, and in the second step the curing of the VE is initiated by gamma irradiation, which also activates the reinforcing materials and the cured matrix component. A total of six carbon fiber reinforced composite systems were compared with neat epoxy and EP/VE hybrid matrices with and without chemical initiator and MWCNT nano-reinforcement. The effect of gamma irradiation was investigated at four absorbed dose levels. According to our three point bending and interlaminar shear test results the adhesion has improved between all constituents of the composite system. It was demonstrated that gamma irradiation has beneficial effect on the static mechanical, especially interlaminar properties of both micro- and nanocomposites in terms of modulus, strength and interlaminar shear strength.

Seismic assessment of WSDOT bridges with prestressed hollow core piles : part II.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

This report investigates the seismic performance of a reinforced concrete : bridge with prestressed hollow core piles. Both nonlinear static and nonlinear dynamic : analyses were carried out. A three-dimensional spine model of the bridge was : ...

Spark plasma sintering of silicon carbide, multi-walled carbon nanotube and graphene reinforced zirconium diboride ceramic composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balaraman Yadhukulakrishnan, Govindaraajan

Scope and Method of Study: Space vehicles re-entering the earth's atmosphere experience very high temperatures due to aerodynamic heating. Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC) with melting point higher than 3200°C are promising materials for thermal protection systems of such space vehicles re-entering the earth's atmosphere. Among several UHTC systems ZrB2 based ceramic composites are particularly important for thermal protection systems due to their better mechanical and thermoelectric properties and high oxidation resistance. In this study spark plasma sintering of SiC, carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene nano platelets (GNP) reinforced ZrB2 ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites is reported. Findings and Conclusions: Systematic investigations on the effect of reinforcement type (SiC, CNTs and GNP) and content (10-40 vol.% SiC, 2-6 vol.% CNTs and 2-6 vol.% GNP) on densification behavior, microstructure development, and mechanical properties (microhardness, bi-axial flexural strength, and indentation fracture toughness) are reported. With the similar SPS parameters near-full densification (>99% relative density) was achieved with 10-40 vol.% SiC, 4-6 vol.% CNT reinforced composites. Highly dense composites were obtained in 4-6 vol.% GNP reinforced composites. The SiC, CNT and GNP reinforcement improved the indentation fracture toughness of the composites through a range of toughening mechanisms, including particle shearing, crack deflection at the particle-matrix interface, and grain pull-outs for ZrB2-SiC composites, CNT pull-outs and crack deflection in ZrB2-CNT composites and crack deflection, crack bridging and GNP sheet pull-out for ZrB2 -GNP composites.

Doping of wide-bandgap titanium-dioxide nanotubes: optical, electronic and magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alivov, Yahya; Singh, Vivek; Ding, Yuchen; Cerkovnik, Logan Jerome; Nagpal, Prashant

2014-08-01

Doping semiconductors is an important step for their technological application. While doping bulk semiconductors can be easily achieved, incorporating dopants in semiconductor nanostructures has proven difficult. Here, we report a facile synthesis method for doping titanium-dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes that was enabled by a new electrochemical cell design. A variety of optical, electronic and magnetic dopants were incorporated into the hollow nanotubes, and from detailed studies it is shown that the doping level can be easily tuned from low to heavily-doped semiconductors. Using desired dopants - electronic (p- or n-doped), optical (ultraviolet bandgap to infrared absorption in co-doped nanotubes), and magnetic (from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic) properties can be tailored, and these technologically important nanotubes can be useful for a variety of applications in photovoltaics, display technologies, photocatalysis, and spintronic applications.Doping semiconductors is an important step for their technological application. While doping bulk semiconductors can be easily achieved, incorporating dopants in semiconductor nanostructures has proven difficult. Here, we report a facile synthesis method for doping titanium-dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes that was enabled by a new electrochemical cell design. A variety of optical, electronic and magnetic dopants were incorporated into the hollow nanotubes, and from detailed studies it is shown that the doping level can be easily tuned from low to heavily-doped semiconductors. Using desired dopants - electronic (p- or n-doped), optical (ultraviolet bandgap to infrared absorption in co-doped nanotubes), and magnetic (from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic) properties can be tailored, and these technologically important nanotubes can be useful for a variety of applications in photovoltaics, display technologies, photocatalysis, and spintronic applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr02417f

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Verification of Hollow and Foam-Filled Flax-Fabric-Reinforced Epoxy Tubular Energy Absorbers Subjected to Crashing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sliseris, J.; Yan, L.; Kasal, B.

2017-09-01

Numerical methods for simulating hollow and foam-filled flax-fabric-reinforced epoxy tubular energy absorbers subjected to lateral crashing are presented. The crashing characteristics, such as the progressive failure, load-displacement response, absorbed energy, peak load, and failure modes, of the tubes were simulated and calculated numerically. A 3D nonlinear finite-element model that allows for the plasticity of materials using an isotropic hardening model with strain rate dependence and failure is proposed. An explicit finite-element solver is used to address the lateral crashing of the tubes considering large displacements and strains, plasticity, and damage. The experimental nonlinear crashing load vs. displacement data are successfully described by using the finite-element model proposed. The simulated peak loads and absorbed energy of the tubes are also in good agreement with experimental results.

Electrospinning of single wall carbon nanotube reinforced aligned fibrils and yarns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, Hoa Le

Commercial carbon fibers produced from a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor have reached their performance limit. The approach in this study involves the use of single carbon nanotubes (SWNT) with an ultra-high elastic modulus of approximately ˜1 TPa and tensile strength of ˜37 GPa at a breaking strain of ˜6% to reinforce PAN. In order to translate these extraordinary properties to a higher order structure, the need for a media to carry and assemble the SWNT into continuous fibers or yarns is necessary. Effective translation of properties can only be achieved through uniform distribution of SWNT and their alignment in the fiber axis. This has been one of the major challenges since SWNTs tend to agglomerate due to high van der Waals attraction between tubes. It is the goal of this study to develop dispersion technique(s) for the SWNT and process them into aligned fibers utilizing the electrospinning process. The electrospun nanofibers were then characterized by various techniques such as ESEM, Raman microspectroscopy, HRTEM, and tensile testing. Composite nanofibers containing various contents of SWNT up to 10 wt. % with diameter ranging from 40--300 nm were successfully electrospun through varying the polymer concentration and spinning parameters. The inclusion of SWNTs and their alignment in the fiber axis were confirmed by Raman microspectroscopy, polarized Raman and HRETEM. The failure mechanism of the nanofibers was investigated by HRTEM through fiber surface fracture. A two stage rupture mechanism was observed where crazing initiates at a surface defect followed by SWNTs pulling out of the PAN matrix. Such mechanisms consume energy therefore strengthening and toughening the fibers. Mechanical drawing of the fiber prior to heat treatment induced molecular orientation resulting in oriented graphite layers in the carbonized fibers. This study has established a processing base and characterization techniques to support the design and development of SWNT

Magnetic properties and transmission electron microscopy studies of Ni nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon nanocages and carbon nanotubes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

He Chunnian; Zhao Naiqin; Shi Chunsheng

2008-08-04

Three types of carbon nanomaterials, including bamboo-shaped carbon nanotubes with Ni encapsulated and hollow and Ni catalytic particles filled carbon nanocages, have been prepared by methane catalytic decomposition at a relatively low temperature. Transmission electron microscopy observations showed that fascinating fullerene-like Ni-C (graphitic) core-shell nanostructures predominated. Detailed examination of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that the walls of bamboo-shaped carbon nanotubes with quasi-cone catalytic particles encapsulated consisted of oblique graphene planes with respect to the tube axis. The Ni particles encapsulated in the carbon nanocages were larger than that encapsulated in carbon nanotubes, but the diameters of the cores ofmore » hollow carbon nanocages were less than that of Ni particles encapsulated in carbon nanotubes, suggesting that the sizes of catalyst particles played an important role during carbon nanomaterial growth. The magnetic properties of the carbon nanomaterials were measured, which showed relatively large coercive force (H{sub c} = 138.4 O{sub e}) and good ferromagnetism (M{sub r}/M{sub s} = 0.325)« less

Packing C60 in Boron Nitride Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mickelson, W.; Aloni, S.; Han, Wei-Qiang; Cumings, John; Zettl, A.

2003-04-01

We have created insulated C60 nanowire by packing C60 molecules into the interior of insulating boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). For small-diameter BNNTs, the wire consists of a linear chain of C60 molecules. With increasing BNNT inner diameter, unusual C60 stacking configurations are obtained (including helical, hollow core, and incommensurate) that are unknown for bulk or thin-film forms of C60. C60 in BNNTs thus presents a model system for studying the properties of dimensionally constrained ``silo'' crystal structures. For the linear-chain case, we have fused the C60 molecules to form a single-walled carbon nanotube inside the insulating BNNT.

Fabrication of hollow nanorod electrodes based on RuO2//Fe2O3 for an asymmetric supercapacitor.

PubMed

Wang, Qiufan; Liang, Xiao; Ma, Yun; Zhang, Daohong

2018-06-12

In this work, hollow RuO2 nanotube arrays were successfully grown on carbon cloth by using a facile two-step method to fabricate a binder-free electrode. The well-aligned electrode displays excellent electrochemical performance. By using RuO2 hollow nanotube arrays as the positive electrode and Fe2O3 as the negative electrode, a flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) has been fabricated which exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, such as a high capacitance of 4.9 F cm-3, a high energy density of 1.5 mW h cm-3 and a high power density of 9.1 mW cm-3. In addition, the two-electrode SC shows high cycling stability with 97% capacitance retention after 5000 charge-discharge cycles. These excellent electrochemical performances are ascribed to the unique hollow structural design of electrodes, which can shorten the ion diffusion length, provide a fast ion transport channel, and offer a large electrode/electrolyte interface for the charge-transfer reaction. The structural design and the synthesis approach are general and can be extended to synthesizing a broad range of materials systems.

SnO2@TiO2 double-shell nanotubes for a lithium ion battery anode with excellent high rate cyclability.

PubMed

Jeun, Jeong-Hoon; Park, Kyu-Young; Kim, Dai-Hong; Kim, Won-Sik; Kim, Hong-Chan; Lee, Byoung-Sun; Kim, Honggu; Yu, Woong-Ryeol; Kang, Kisuk; Hong, Seong-Hyeon

2013-09-21

SnO2@TiO2 double-shell nanotubes have been facilely synthesized by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using electrospun PAN nanofibers as templates. The double-shell nanotubes exhibited excellent high rate cyclability for lithium ion batteries. The retention of hollow structures during cycling was demonstrated.

Induction heating process of ferromagnetic filled carbon nanotubes based on 3-D model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiak, Sławomir; Firych-Nowacka, Anna; Smółka, Krzysztof; Pietrzak, Łukasz; Kołaciński, Zbigniew; Szymański, Łukasz

2017-12-01

Since their discovery by Iijima in 1991 [1], carbon nanotubes have sparked unwavering interest among researchers all over the world. This is due to the unique properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Carbon nanotubes have excellent mechanical and electrical properties with high chemical and thermal stability. In addition, carbon nanotubes have a very large surface area and are hollow inside. This gives a very broad spectrum of nanotube applications, such as in combination with polymers as polymer composites in the automotive, aerospace or textile industries. At present, many methods of nanotube synthesis are known [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. It is also possible to use carbon nanotubes in biomedical applications [7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14], including the destruction of cancer cells using iron-filled carbon nanotubes in the hyperthermia process. Computer modelling results of Fe-CNTs induction heating process are presented in the paper. As an object used for computer model creation, Fe-CNTs were synthesized by the authors using CCVD technique.

Dispersion fraction enhances cellular growth of carbon nanotube and aluminum oxide reinforced ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene biocomposites.

PubMed

Patel, Anup Kumar; Balani, Kantesh

2015-01-01

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely used as bone-replacement material for articulating surfaces due to its excellent wear resistance and low coefficient of friction. But, the wear debris, generated during abrasion between mating surfaces, leads to aseptic loosening of implants. Thus, various reinforcing agents are generally utilized, which may alter the surface and biological properties of UHMWPE. In the current work, the cellular response of compression molded UHMWPE upon reinforcement of bioactive multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and bioinert aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is investigated. The phase retention and stability were observed using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The reinforcement of MWCNTs and Al2O3 has shown to alter the wettability (from contact angle of ~88°±2° to ~118°±4°) and surface energy (from ~23.20 to ~17.75 mN/m) of composites with respect to UHMWPE, without eliciting any adverse effect on cytocompatibility for the L929 mouse fibroblast cell line. Interestingly, the cellular growth of the L929 mouse fibroblast cell line is observed to be dominated by the dispersion fraction of surface free energy (SFE). After 48 h of incubation period, a decrease in metabolic activity of MWCNT-Al2O3 reinforced composites is attributed to apatite formation that reduces the dispersion fraction of surface energy. The mineralized apatite during incubation was confirmed and quantified by energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction respectively. Thus, the dispersion fraction of surface free energy can be engineered to play an important role in achieving enhanced metabolic activity of the MWCNT-Al2O3 reinforced UHMWPE biopolymer composites. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Carbon Fiber Nanotube Reinforced Alumina Nanocomposite

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-08

by heating metal salts in reducing atmospheres or in polyethylene glycol. Carbon nanotubes(CNT) were synthesized in situ by heating the resulting...higher concentration levels due CNT entanglement. Efficient induction heating of highly conductive ZrB2-LaB6 eutectic samples was demonstrated in a...LaB6-ZrB2 eutectic are being prepared for additional studies at Hy-Tech and microwave dielectric measurements at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Comprehensive Property Characterization of Nanotube Buckypaper-Reinforced Composite Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-04-01

Kim, S. G., Rinzler, A. G., and Colbert , D. T., "Crystalline Ropes of Metallic Carbon Nanotubes," Science, 1996, Volume 273, No. 5274, pp. 483-487. [7...Nikolaev, P. Bronikowski, M. J., Bradley, R. K., Colbert , D. T., Smith, K. A., and Smalley, R. E., "Gas-phase Catalytic Growth of Single-walled Carbon...Casavant, M. J., Liu, J., Colbert , D. T., Smith, K. A., and Smalley, R. E., "Elastic Strain of Freely Suspended Single-wall Carbon Nanotube Ropes

Dependence of equivalent thermal conductivity coefficients of single-wall carbon nanotubes on their chirality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarubin, V. S.; Sergeeva, E. S.

2018-04-01

Composite materials (composites) composed of a matrix and reinforcing components are currently widely used as structural materials for various engineering devices designed to operate under extreme thermal and mechanical loads. By modifying a composite with structure-sensitive inclusions such as single-wall carbon nanotubes, one can significantly improve the thermomechanical properties of the resulting material. The paper presents relationships obtained for the equivalent thermal conductivity coefficients of single-wall carbon nanotubes versus their chirality using a simulation model developed to simulate the heat transfer process through thermal conductivity in a transversely isotropic environment. With these coefficients, one can conventionally substitute a single-wall carbon nanotube with a continuous anisotropic fiber, thus allowing one to estimate the thermal properties of composites reinforced with objects of this sort by using the well-known models developed for fibered composites. The results presented here can be used to estimate the thermal properties of carbon nanotube-reinforced composites.

Carbon-coated SnO2 nanotubes: template-engaged synthesis and their application in lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Ping; Du, Ning; Zhang, Hui; Yu, Jingxue; Qi, Yue; Yang, Deren

2011-02-01

This paper reports the synthesis of carbon-coated SnO2 (SnO2-C) nanotubes through a simple glucose hydrothermal and subsequent carbonization approach by using Sn nanorods as sacrificial templates. The as-synthesized SnO2-C nanotubes have been applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, which exhibit improved cyclic performance compared to pure SnO2 nanotubes. The hollow nanostructure, together with the carbon matrix which has good buffering effect and high electronic conductivity, can be responsible for the improved cyclic performance.

Effective approach to strengthening TiO2 nanotube arrays by using double or triple reinforcements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Mengwei; Yu, Dongliang; Lu, Linfeng; Ma, Weihua; Song, Ye; Zhu, Xufei

2015-08-01

Porous anodic TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTAs) are fragile and also susceptible to be damaged during physical manipulation. Few studies have involved the improvement of the poor interfacial adhesion of TNTAs to the Ti substrate. Here, the poor adhesion of TNTAs was dramatically improved by appending an additional compact layer (ACL) formed at the interface between TNTAs and the Ti substrate. The adhesion of TNTAs with single-ACL increased with the increase of the ACL thickness. Furthermore, the reinforced TNTAs with double-ACL and triple-ACL have been successfully developed for the first time. The experimental results indicated that the critical load of the TNTAs with triple-ACL is roughly 5.8 times higher than that of the untreated TNTAs. The present results may be helpful to assemble less brittle and large area TNTAs for extensive applications.

Plasticity and Kinky Chemistry of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srivastava, Deepak; Dzegilenko, Fedor

2000-01-01

Since their discovery in 1991, carbon nanotubes have been the subject of intense research interest based on early predictions of their unique mechanical, electronic, and chemical properties. Materials with the predicted unique properties of carbon nanotubes are of great interest for use in future generations of aerospace vehicles. For their structural properties, carbon nanotubes could be used as reinforcing fibers in ultralight multifunctional composites. For their electronic properties, carbon nanotubes offer the potential of very high-speed, low-power computing elements, high-density data storage, and unique sensors. In a continuing effort to model and predict the properties of carbon nanotubes, Ames accomplished three significant results during FY99. First, accurate values of the nanomechanics and plasticity of carbon nanotubes based on quantum molecular dynamics simulations were computed. Second, the concept of mechanical deformation catalyzed-kinky-chemistry as a means to control local chemistry of nanotubes was discovered. Third, the ease of nano-indentation of silicon surfaces with carbon nanotubes was established. The elastic response and plastic failure mechanisms of single-wall nanotubes were investigated by means of quantum molecular dynamics simulations.

More About Arc-Welding Process for Making Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benavides, Jeanette M.; Leidecker, Henning

2005-01-01

High-quality batches of carbon nanotubes are produced at relatively low cost in a modified atmospheric-pressure electric-arc welding process that does not include the use of metal catalysts. What would normally be a welding rod and a weldment are replaced by an amorphous carbon anode rod and a wider, hollow graphite cathode rod. Both electrodes are water-cooled. The cathode is immersed in ice water to about 0.5 cm from the surface. The system is shielded from air by flowing helium during arcing. As the anode is consumed during arcing at 20 to 25 A, it is lowered to maintain it at an approximately constant distance above the cathode. The process causes carbon nanotubes to form on the lowest 5 cm of the anode. The arcing process is continued until the anode has been lowered to a specified height. The nanotube-containing material is then harvested. The additional information contained in the instant report consists mostly of illustrations of carbon nanotubes and a schematic diagram of the arc-welding setup, as modified for the production of carbon nanotubes.

Imaging Carbon Nanotubes in High Performance Polymer Composites via Magnetic Force Microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lillehei, Peter T.; Park, Cheol; Rouse, Jason H.; Siochi, Emilie J.; Bushnell, Dennis M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Application of carbon nanotubes as reinforcement in structural composites is dependent on the efficient dispersion of the nanotubes in a high performance polymer matrix. The characterization of such dispersion is limited by the lack of available tools to visualize the quality of the matrix/carbon nanotube interaction. The work reported herein demonstrates the use of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) as a promising technique for characterizing the dispersion of nanotubes in a high performance polymer matrix.

Chitosan composite hydrogels reinforced with natural clay nanotubes.

PubMed

Huang, Biao; Liu, Mingxian; Zhou, Changren

2017-11-01

Here, chitosan composites hydrogels were prepared by addition of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in the chitosan KOH/LiOH/urea solution. The raw chitosan and chitosan/HNTs composite hydrogels were obtained by heat treatment at 60°C for 8h and then regeneration in ethanol solution. The viscosity of the composite solution is increased with HNTs content. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) shows that the hydrogen bonds interactions exist between the HNTs and the chitosan. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the crystal structure of HNT is not changed in the composite hydrogels. The compressive property test and storage modulus determination show that the mechanical properties and anti-deformation ability of the composite hydrogel significantly increase owing to the reinforcing effect of HNTs. The composites hydrogel with 66.7% HNTs can undergo 7 times compression cycles without breaking with compressive strength of 0.71MPa at 70% deformation, while pure chitosan hydrogel is broken after bearing 5 compression cycles with compressive strength of 0.14MPa and a maximum deformation of 59%. A porous structure with pore size of 100-500μm is found in the composite hydrogels by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the pore size and the swelling ratio in NaCl solution decrease by the addition of HNTs and the immersing of ethanol. Chitosan/HNTs composite hydrogels show low cytotoxicity towards MC3T3-E1 cells. Also, the composite hydrogels show a maximum drug entrapment efficiency of 45.7% for doxorubicin (DOX) which is much higher than that of pure chitosan hydrogel (27.5%). All the results illustrate that the chitosan/HNTs composite hydrogels show promising applications as biomaterials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Maleic Anhydride-Modified Xylan-g-Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel with Multifunctional Properties

PubMed Central

Liu, Xinxin; Song, Tao; Chang, Minmin; Meng, Ling; Wang, Xiaohui; Sun, Runcang; Ren, Junli

2018-01-01

Introducing multifunctional groups and inorganic material imparts xylan-based hydrogels with excellent properties, such as responsiveness to pH, temperature, light, and external magnetic field. In this work, a composite hydrogel was synthesized by introducing acid treated carbon nanotubes (AT-CNTs) into the maleic anhydride modified xylan grafted with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (MAX-g-PNIPAM) hydrogels network. It was found that the addition of AT-CNTs affected the MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogel structure, the swelling ratio and mechanical properties, and imparted the hydrogel with new properties of electrical conductivity and near infrared region (NIR) photothermal conversion. AT-CNTs could reinforce the mechanical properties of MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogels, being up to 83 kPa for the compressive strength when the amount was 11 wt %, which was eight times than that of PNIPAM hydrogel and four times than that of MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogel. The electroconductibility was enhanced by the increase of AT-CNTs amounts. Meanwhile, the composite hydrogel also exhibited multiple shape memory and NIR photothermal conversion properties, and water temperature was increased from 26 °C to 56 °C within 8 min under the NIR irradiation. Thus, the AT-CNTs reinforced MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogel possessed promising multifunctional properties, which offered many potential applications in the fields of biosensors, thermal-arrest technology, and drug-controlled release. PMID:29495611

Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Maleic Anhydride-Modified Xylan-g-Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel with Multifunctional Properties.

PubMed

Liu, Xinxin; Song, Tao; Chang, Minmin; Meng, Ling; Wang, Xiaohui; Sun, Runcang; Ren, Junli

2018-02-28

Introducing multifunctional groups and inorganic material imparts xylan-based hydrogels with excellent properties, such as responsiveness to pH, temperature, light, and external magnetic field. In this work, a composite hydrogel was synthesized by introducing acid treated carbon nanotubes (AT-CNTs) into the maleic anhydride modified xylan grafted with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (MAX-g-PNIPAM) hydrogels network. It was found that the addition of AT-CNTs affected the MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogel structure, the swelling ratio and mechanical properties, and imparted the hydrogel with new properties of electrical conductivity and near infrared region (NIR) photothermal conversion. AT-CNTs could reinforce the mechanical properties of MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogels, being up to 83 kPa for the compressive strength when the amount was 11 wt %, which was eight times than that of PNIPAM hydrogel and four times than that of MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogel. The electroconductibility was enhanced by the increase of AT-CNTs amounts. Meanwhile, the composite hydrogel also exhibited multiple shape memory and NIR photothermal conversion properties, and water temperature was increased from 26 °C to 56 °C within 8 min under the NIR irradiation. Thus, the AT-CNTs reinforced MAX-g-PNIPAM hydrogel possessed promising multifunctional properties, which offered many potential applications in the fields of biosensors, thermal-arrest technology, and drug-controlled release.

Cytocompatibility and uptake of halloysite clay nanotubes.

PubMed

Vergaro, Viviana; Abdullayev, Elshad; Lvov, Yuri M; Zeitoun, Andre; Cingolani, Roberto; Rinaldi, Ross; Leporatti, Stefano

2010-03-08

Halloysite is aluminosilicate clay with hollow tubular structure of 50 nm external diameter and 15 nm diameter lumen. Halloysite biocompatibility study is important for its potential applications in polymer composites, bone implants, controlled drug delivery, and for protective coating (e.g., anticorrosion or antimolding). Halloysite nanotubes were added to different cell cultures for toxicity tests. Its fluorescence functionalization by aminopropyltriethosilane (APTES) and with fluorescently labeled polyelectrolyte layers allowed following halloysite uptake by the cells with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Quantitative Trypan blue and MTT measurements performed with two neoplastic cell lines model systems as a function of the nanotubes concentration and incubation time indicate that halloysite exhibits a high level of biocompatibility and very low cytotoxicity, rendering it a good candidate for household materials and medicine. A combination of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and scanning force microscopy (SFM) imaging techniques have been employed to elucidate the structure of halloysite nanotubes.

Development and application of carbon nanotubes assisted electromembrane extraction (CNTs/EME) for the determination of buprenorphine as a model of basic drugs from urine samples.

PubMed

Hasheminasab, Kobra Sadat; Fakhari, Ali Reza

2013-03-12

In this work carbon nanotubes assisted electromembrane extraction (CNTs/EME) coupled with capillary electrophoresis (CE) and ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed for the determination of buprenorphine as a model of basic drugs from urine samples. Carbon nanotubes reinforced hollow fiber was used in this research. Here the CNTs serve as a sorbent and provide an additional pathway for solute transport. The presence of CNTs in the hollow fiber wall increased the effective surface area and the overall partition coefficient on the membrane; and lead to an enhancement in the analyte transport. For investigating the influence of the presence of CNTs in the SLM on the extraction efficiency, a comparative study was carried out between EME and CNTs/EME methods. Optimization of the variables affecting these methods was carried out in order to achieve the best extraction efficiency. Optimal extractions were accomplished with NPOE as the SLM, with 200V as the driving force, and with pH 2.0 in the donor and pH 1.0 in the acceptor solutions with the whole assembly agitated at 750rpm after 25min and 15min for EME and CNTs/EME, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, in comparison with the conventional EME method, CNTs/EME provided higher extraction efficiencies in shorter time. This method provided lower limit of detection (1ngmL(-1)), higher preconcentration factor (185) and higher recovery (92). Finally, the applicability of this method was evaluated by the extraction and determination of buprenorphine in patients' urine samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elastic deformation of helical-conical boron nitride nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, F. F.; Bando, Y.; Golberg, D.; Ma, R. Z.; Li, Y. B.; Tang, C. C.

2003-08-01

Boron nitride nanotubes with hollow conical-helix geometry have exhibited striking flexibility and elasticity comparable to metals. During an electron-beam induced deformation at room temperature, the nanotubes can be bent by a maximum angle as high as 180° and then retrieve the starting morphology without any evidence of structural failure. The outstanding low-temperature elasticity in this nano-material is interpreted by a theoretical model, displaying deformation processes dominated by slide of filaments along with changes in apex angles stepwise. The specific tubular geometry is believed to take advantages of both high stiffness and extraordinary flexibility of BN filaments, and easiness of interlayer slide in graphitic structure, hence leading to high resistance to fracture.

Single-crystalline MFe(2)O(4) nanotubes/nanorings synthesized by thermal transformation process for biological applications.

PubMed

Fan, Hai-Ming; Yi, Jia-Bao; Yang, Yi; Kho, Kiang-Wei; Tan, Hui-Ru; Shen, Ze-Xiang; Ding, Jun; Sun, Xiao-Wei; Olivo, Malini Carolene; Feng, Yuan-Ping

2009-09-22

We report a general thermal transformation approach to synthesize single-crystalline magnetic transition metal oxides nanotubes/nanorings including magnetite Fe(3)O(4), maghematite gamma-Fe(2)O(3), and ferrites MFe(2)O(4) (M = Co, Mn, Ni, Cu) using hematite alpha-Fe(2)O(3) nanotubes/nanorings template. While the straightforward reduction or reduction-oxides process was employed to produce Fe(3)O(4) and gamma-Fe(2)O(3), the alpha-Fe(2)O(3)/M(OH)(2) core/shell nanostructure was used as precursor to prepare MFe(2)O(4) nanotubes via MFe(2)O(4-x) (0 < x < 1) intermediate. The transformed ferrites nanocrystals retain the hollow structure and single-crystalline nature of the original templates. However, the crystallographic orientation-relationships of cubic spinel ferrites and trigonal hematite show strong correlation with their morpologies. The hollow-structured MFe(2)O(4) nanocrystals with tunable size, shape, and composition have exhibited unique magnetic properties. Moreover, they have been demonstrated as a highly effective peroxidase mimic catalysts for laboratory immunoassays or as a universal nanocapsules hybridized with luminescent QDs for magnetic separation and optical probe of lung cancer cells, suggesting that these biocompatible magnetic nanotubes/nanorings have great potential in biomedicine and biomagnetic applications.

Non-traditional shape GFRP rebars for concrete reinforcement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Claure, Guillermo G.

The use of glass-fiber-reinforced-polymer (GFRP) composites as internal reinforcement (rebars) for concrete structures has proven to be an alternative to traditional steel reinforcement due to significant advantages such as magnetic transparency and, most importantly, corrosion resistance equating to durability and structural life extension. In recent years, the number of projects specifying GFRP reinforcement has increased dramatically leading the construction industry towards more sustainable practices. Typically, GFRP rebars are similar to their steel counterparts having external deformations or surface enhancements designed to develop bond to concrete, as well as having solid circular cross-sections; but lately, the worldwide composites industry has taken advantage of the pultrusion process developing GFRP rebars with non-traditional cross-sectional shapes destined to optimize their mechanical, physical, and environmental attributes. Recently, circular GFRP rebars with a hollow-core have also become available. They offer advantages such as a larger surface area for improved bond, and the use of the effective cross-sectional area that is engaged to carry load since fibers at the center of a solid cross-section are generally not fully engaged. For a complete understanding of GFRP rebar physical properties, a study on material characterization regarding a quantitative cross-sectional area analysis of different GFRP rebars was undertaken with a sample population of 190 GFRP specimens with rebar denomination ranging from #2 to #6 and with different cross-sectional shapes and surface deformations manufactured by five pultruders from around the world. The water displacement method was applied as a feasible and reliable way to conduct the investigation. In addition to developing a repeatable protocol for measuring cross-sectional area, the objectives of establishing critical statistical information related to the test methodology and recommending improvements to

Bending analysis of agglomerated carbon nanotube-reinforced beam resting on two parameters modified Vlasov model foundation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghorbanpour Arani, A.; Zamani, M. H.

2018-06-01

The present work deals with bending behavior of nanocomposite beam resting on two parameters modified Vlasov model foundation (MVMF), with consideration of agglomeration and distribution of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in beam matrix. Equivalent fiber based on Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach is employed to determine influence of CNTs aggregation on elastic properties of CNT-reinforced beam. The governing equations are deduced using the principle of minimum potential energy under assumption of the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. The MVMF required the estimation of γ parameter; to this purpose, unique iterative technique based on variational principles is utilized to compute value of the γ and subsequently fourth-order differential equation is solved analytically. Eventually, the transverse displacements and bending stresses are obtained and compared for different agglomeration parameters, various boundary conditions simultaneously and variant elastic foundation without requirement to instate values for foundation parameters.

Effect of far-field stresses and residual stresses incorporation in predicting fracture toughness of carbon nanotube reinforced yttria stabilized zirconia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahato, Neelima; Nisar, Ambreen; Mohapatra, Pratyasha; Rawat, Siddharth; Ariharan, S.; Balani, Kantesh

2017-10-01

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is a potential thermal insulating ceramic for high temperature applications (>1000 °C). YSZ reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was processed via spark plasma sintering to produce dense, crack-free homogeneous sample and avoid any degradation of MWNTs when sintered using conventional routes. Despite porosity, the addition of MWNT has a profound effect in improving the damage tolerance of YSZ by allowing the retention of tetragonal phase. However, at some instances, the crack lengths in the MWNT reinforced YSZ matrices have been found to be longer than the standalone counterparts. Therefore, it becomes inappropriate to apply Anstis equation to calculate fracture toughness values. In this regard, a combined analytical cum numerical method is used to estimate the theoretical fracture toughness and quantitatively analyze the mechanics of matrix cracking in the reinforced composite matrices incorporating the effects of various factors (such as far-field stresses, volume fraction of MWNTs, change in the modulus and Poisson's ratio values along with the increase in porosity, and bridging and phase transformation mechanism) affecting the fracture toughness of YSZ-MWNT composites. The results suggest that the incorporation of far-field stresses cannot be ignored in estimating the theoretical fracture toughness of YSZ-MWNT composites.

Facile Synthesis of Novel Networked Ultralong Cobalt Sulfide Nanotubes and Its Application in Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Liu, Sangui; Mao, Cuiping; Niu, Yubin; Yi, Fenglian; Hou, Junke; Lu, Shiyu; Jiang, Jian; Xu, Maowen; Li, Changming

2015-11-25

Ultralong cobalt sulfide (CoS(1.097)) nanotube networks are synthesized by a simple one-step solvothermal method without any surfactant or template. A possible formation mechanism for the growth processes is proposed. Owing to the hollow structure and large specific area, the novel CoS(1.097) materials present outstanding electrochemical properties. Electrochemical measurements for supercapacitors show that the as-prepared ultralong CoS(1.097) nanotube networks exhibit high specific capacity, good capacity retention, and excellent Coulombic efficiency.

Effects of carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion and interface condition on thermo-mechanical behavior of CNT-reinforced vinyl ester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabet, Seyed Morteza

In fabrication of nanoparticle-reinforced polymers, two critical factors need to be taken into account to control properties of the final product; nanoparticle dispersion/distribution in the matrix; and interfacial interactions between nanoparticles and their surrounding matrix. The focus of this thesis was to examine the role of these two factors through experimental methodologies and molecular-level simulations. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and vinyl ester (VE) resin were used as nanoparticles and matrix, respectively. In a parametric study, a series of CNT/VE nanocomposites with different CNT dispersion conditions were fabricated using the ultrasonication mixing method. Thermomechanical properties of nanocomposites and quality of CNT dispersion were evaluated. By correlation between nanocomposite behavior and CNT dispersion, a thermomechanical model was suggested; at a certain threshold level of sonication energy, CNT dispersion would be optimal and result in maximum enhancement in properties. This threshold energy level is also related to particle concentration. Sonication above this threshold level, leads to destruction of nanotubes and renders a negative effect on the properties of nanocomposites. In an attempt to examine the interface condition, a novel process was developed to modify CNT surface with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). In this process, a chemical reaction was allowed to occur between CNTs and POSS in the presence of an effective catalyst. The functionalized CNTs were characterized using TEM, SEM-EDS, AFM, TGA, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Formation of amide bonds between POSS and nanotubes was established and verified. Surface modification of CNTs with POSS resulted in significant improvement in nanotube dispersion. In-depth SEM analysis revealed formation of a 3D network of well-dispersed CNTs with POSS connections to the polymer. In parallel, molecular dynamics simulation of CNT-POSS/VE system showed an effective load

Recent advances in understanding the reinforcing ability and mechanism of carbon nanotubes in ceramic matrix composites.

PubMed

Estili, Mehdi; Sakka, Yoshio

2014-12-01

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), commonly referred to as ultimate reinforcement, the main purpose for fabricating CNT-ceramic matrix composites has been mainly to improve the fracture toughness and strength of the ceramic matrix materials. However, there have been many studies reporting marginal improvements or even the degradation of mechanical properties. On the other hand, those studies claiming noticeable toughening measured using indentation, which is an indirect/unreliable characterization method, have not demonstrated the responsible mechanisms applicable to the nanoscale, flexible CNTs; instead, those studies proposed those classical methods applicable to microscale fiber/whisker reinforced ceramics without showing any convincing evidence of load transfer to the CNTs. Therefore, the ability of CNTs to directly improve the macroscopic mechanical properties of structural ceramics has been strongly questioned and debated in the last ten years. In order to properly discuss the reinforcing ability (and possible mechanisms) of CNTs in a ceramic host material, there are three fundamental questions to our knowledge at both the nanoscale and macroscale levels that need to be addressed: (1) does the intrinsic load-bearing ability of CNTs change when embedded in a ceramic host matrix?; (2) when there is an intimate atomic-level interface without any chemical reaction with the matrix, could one expect any load transfer to the CNTs along with effective load bearing by them during crack propagation?; and (3) considering their nanometer-scale dimensions, flexibility and radial softness, are the CNTs able to improve the mechanical properties of the host ceramic matrix at the macroscale when individually, intimately and uniformly dispersed? If so, how? Also, what is the effect of CNT concentration in such a defect-free composite system? Here, we briefly review the recent studies addressing the above fundamental questions. In particular, we discuss the new

Recent advances in understanding the reinforcing ability and mechanism of carbon nanotubes in ceramic matrix composites

PubMed Central

Estili, Mehdi; Sakka, Yoshio

2014-01-01

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), commonly referred to as ultimate reinforcement, the main purpose for fabricating CNT–ceramic matrix composites has been mainly to improve the fracture toughness and strength of the ceramic matrix materials. However, there have been many studies reporting marginal improvements or even the degradation of mechanical properties. On the other hand, those studies claiming noticeable toughening measured using indentation, which is an indirect/unreliable characterization method, have not demonstrated the responsible mechanisms applicable to the nanoscale, flexible CNTs; instead, those studies proposed those classical methods applicable to microscale fiber/whisker reinforced ceramics without showing any convincing evidence of load transfer to the CNTs. Therefore, the ability of CNTs to directly improve the macroscopic mechanical properties of structural ceramics has been strongly questioned and debated in the last ten years. In order to properly discuss the reinforcing ability (and possible mechanisms) of CNTs in a ceramic host material, there are three fundamental questions to our knowledge at both the nanoscale and macroscale levels that need to be addressed: (1) does the intrinsic load-bearing ability of CNTs change when embedded in a ceramic host matrix?; (2) when there is an intimate atomic-level interface without any chemical reaction with the matrix, could one expect any load transfer to the CNTs along with effective load bearing by them during crack propagation?; and (3) considering their nanometer-scale dimensions, flexibility and radial softness, are the CNTs able to improve the mechanical properties of the host ceramic matrix at the macroscale when individually, intimately and uniformly dispersed? If so, how? Also, what is the effect of CNT concentration in such a defect-free composite system? Here, we briefly review the recent studies addressing the above fundamental questions. In particular, we discuss the new

Facile synthesis of Fe3O4@C hollow nanospheres and their application in polluted water treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yuanguang; Xu, Shihao; Xia, Hongyu; Zheng, Fangcai

2016-11-01

Nanostructured carbon-based materials, such as carbon nanotube arrays have shown respectable removal ability for heavy metal ions and organic dyes in aqueous solution. Although the carbon-based materials exhibited excellent removal ability, the separation of them from the aqueous solution is difficult and time-consuming. Here we demonstrated a novel and facile route for the large-scale fabrication of Fe3O4@C hollow nanospheres, with using ferrocene as a single reagent and SiO2 as a template. The as-prepared Fe3O4@C hollow nanospheres exhibited adsorption ability for heavy metal ions and organic dyes from aqueous solution, and can be easily separated by an external magnet. When the as-prepared Fe3O4@C hollow nanospheres were mixed with the aqueous solution of Hg2+ within 15 min, the removal efficiency was 90.3%. The as-prepared Fe3O4@C hollow nanospheres were also exhibited a high adsorption capacity (100%) as the adsorbent for methylene blue (MB). In addition, the as-prepared Fe3O4@C hollow nanospheres can be used as the recyclable sorbent for water treatment via a simple magnetic separation.

Characterization of Reinforced Structural Composites with Carbon Nanotubes Grown Directly on the Fibers/Fabrics Using the PopTube Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guin, William Edward

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are ideal candidates for the reinforcement of the matrix and interphase zone in polymer matrix composites (PMCs), due to their ability to more effectively bind the reinforcing fibers to the matrix material. This can lead to the enhancement of several critical composite properties - including interfacial shear strength and interlaminar fracture toughness - that are typically associated with a composite material's resistance to delamination. Direct dispersion of CNTs into the matrix of the composites has been shown to be very difficult. A more effective way to reinforce PMCs using CNTs is to grow CNTs directly on the reinforcing fibers. To this end, a novel technique used to grow CNTs directly on carbon fibers has been developed at The University of Alabama and Auburn University. This method, referred to as the PopTube Approach, uses microwave irradiation to grow CNTs at room temperature in air, without the need for inert gas protection or additional feed stock gases. The simple nature of the PopTube Approach lends itself to large-scale, high-yield manufacturing that can be done in a cost effective manner. However, before this technique is developed beyond the laboratory scale, its effectiveness as a route to produce CNT-reinforced composites must be evaluated in a comprehensive manner. The objective of this work is to do just that - characterize the mechanical properties of CNT-reinforced composites produced via the PopTube Approach. A systematic experimental program is carried out to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of the PopTube Approach on a wide range of composite mechanical properties. Results show that the PopTube Approach provides for enhanced resistance to delamination with respect to several different loading events. Fractography studies are used to qualitatively understand the mechanisms responsible for these improvements in delamination resistance on the micro-scale. Results also suggest that improvements in

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Seal Glass - BN Nanotubes Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.; Choi, Sung R.; Hurst, Janet B.; Garg, Anita

2005-01-01

Solid oxide fuel cell seal glass G18 composites reinforced with approx.4 weight percent of BN nanotubes were fabricated via hot pressing. Room temperature strength and fracture toughness of the composite were determined by four-point flexure and single edge V-notch beam methods, respectively. The strength and fracture toughness of the composite were higher by as much as 90% and 35%, respectively, than those of the glass G18. Microscopic examination of the composite fracture surfaces using SEM and TEM showed pullout of the BN nanotubes, similar in feature to fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites with weak interfaces. Other mechanical and physical properties of the composite will also be presented.

Fabrication and mechanical properties of aluminum composite reinforced with functionalized carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alavijeh, Elham Zamani; Kokhaei, Saeed; Dehghani, Kamran

2018-01-01

Composite aluminum alloy (5000 series) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were made using mechanical alloying, cold press and sintering. The quality of interactions between Al powders and CNTs in the metal matrix composite has a significant effect on mechanical properties. Motivated from the properties of functionalized CNTs, the current study use this material rather than the raw type, because of its reactivity. Besides, a poly-vinyl-alcohol pre-mixing is done, the aim of which is to enhance mixing process. The functionalized carbon nanotubes ware made by chemically method through refluxing with nitric acid. By this method functional groups have been created on CNTs surfaces. 1% and 3% functionalized carbon nanotubes were manufactured using the aforementioned method. To provide unbiased comparisons, 1% and 3% with raw CNTs and pure aluminum is produced with same manner. The numerical experiments affirm the superiority of the functionalized carbon nano-tubes in terms of the relative density and hardness of nanocomposites. As a final activity, the Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the carbon nanotubes and the powders.

Palladium nanotubes formed by lipid tubule templating and their application in ethanol electrocatalysis.

PubMed

Wang, Yinan; Ma, Shenghua; Su, Yingchun; Han, Xiaojun

2015-04-13

Palladium nanotubes were fabricated by using lipid tubules as templates for the first time in a controlled manner. The positively charged lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammoniumpropane (DOTAP) was doped into lipid tubules to adsorb PdCl4 (2-) on the tubule surfaces for further reduction. The lipid tubule formation was optimized by studying the growing dynamics and ethanol/water ratio. The DOTAP-doped tubules showed pH stability from 0 to 14, which makes them ideal templates for metal plating. The Pd nanotubes are open-ended with a tunable wall thickness. They exhibited good electrocatalytic performance in ethanol. Their electrochemically active surface areas were 6.5, 10.6, and 83.2 m(2)  g(-1) for Pd nanotubes with 77, 101, and 150 nm wall thickness, respectively. These Pd nanotubes have great potential in fuel cells. The method demonstrated also opens up a way to synthesize hollow metal nanotubes. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Hot Deformation Behavior and Intrinsic Workability of Carbon Nanotube-Aluminum Reinforced ZA27 Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yang; Geng, Cong; Zhu, Yunke; Peng, Jinfeng; Xu, Junrui

2017-04-01

Using a controlled thermal simulator system, hybrid carbon nanotube-aluminum reinforced ZA27 composites were subjected to hot compression testing in the temperature range of 473-523 K with strain rates of 0.01-10 s-1. Based on experimental results, a developed-flow stress model was established using a constitutive equation coupled with strain to describe strain softening arising from dynamic recrystallization. The intrinsic workability was further investigated by constructing three-dimensional (3D) processing maps aided by optical observations of microstructures. The 3D processing maps were constructed based on a dynamic model of materials to delineate variations in the efficiency of power dissipation and flow instability domains. The instability domains exhibited adiabatic shear band and flow localization, which need to be prevented during hot processing. The recommended domain is predicated to be within the temperature range 550-590 K and strain rate range 0.01-0.35 s-1. In this state, the main softening mechanism is dynamic recrystallization. The results from processing maps agree well with the microstructure observations.

Carbon Nanotubes: On the Origin of Helicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harutyunyan, Avetik

2015-03-01

The mechanism of helicity formation of carbon nanotubes still remains elusive that hinders their applications. Current explanations mainly rely on the planar interrelationship between the structure of nanotube and corresponding facet of catalyst in 2D geometry that could amend the structure of grown carbon layer, specifically due to the epitaxial interaction. Yet, the structure of carbon nanotube and circumference of the rims assume involvement of more than one facet i.e. it is 3D problem. By aiming this problem we find that the nanotube nucleation is initiated by cap formation via evolving of graphene embryo across the adjacent facets of catalyst particle. As a result the graphene embryos incorporate in their hexagonic network various polygons to accommodate the curved 3D geometry that initiates cap formation following by elongation of the circumferential rims. Based on these results, also on the census of nanotube caps and the fact that given cap fit only one nanotube wall, we consider carbon cap responsible for the helicity of carbon nanotube. This understanding could provide new avenues towards engineering particles to explicitly accommodate certain helicities via exploitation of the angular distribution of catalyst adjacent facets. Our recent progresses in production of carbon nanotubes, nanotube reinforced composites and their potential applications also will be presented.

Polyaniline nanotubes and their dendrites doped with different naphthalene sulfonic acids

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang Zhiming; Chemistry and Chemical Engineering College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003; Wei Zhixiang

2005-03-01

Polyaniline (PANI) nanotubes (130-250 nm in average diameter) doped with {alpha}-naphthalene sulfonic acid ({alpha}-NSA), {beta}-naphthalene sulfonic acid ({beta}-NSA) and 1,5-naphthalene disulfonic acid were synthesized via a self-assembly process. It was found that the formation yield, morphology (hollow or solid), size, crystalline and electrical properties of the nanostructures are affected by the position and number of -SO{sub 3}H groups attached to the naphthalene ring of NSA as well as the synthesis conditions. Moreover, these nanotubes aggregate to form a dendritic morphology when the polymerization is performed at a static state. The micelles composed of dopant or dopant/anilinium cations might act inmore » a template-like fashion in forming self-assembled PANI nanotubes, which was further confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements, while the aggregated morphology of the nanotubes might result from polymer chain interactions including {pi}-{pi} interactions, hydrogen and ionic bonds.« less

Boron nitride nanotube reinforced hydroxyapatite composite: mechanical and tribological performance and in-vitro biocompatibility to osteoblasts.

PubMed

Lahiri, Debrupa; Singh, Virendra; Benaduce, Ana Paula; Seal, Sudipta; Kos, Lidia; Agarwal, Arvind

2011-01-01

This study proposes boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) reinforced hydroxyapatite (HA) as a novel composite material for orthopedic implant applications. The spark plasma sintered (SPS) composite structure shows higher density compared to HA. Minimal lattice mismatch between HA and BNNT leads to coherent bonding and strong interface. HA-4 wt% BNNT composite offers excellent mechanical properties-120% increment in elastic modulus, 129% higher hardness and 86% more fracture toughness, as compared to HA. Improvements in the hardness and fracture toughness are related to grain refinement and crack bridging by BNNTs. HA-BNNT composite also shows 75% improvement in the wear resistance. The wear morphology suggests localized plastic deformation supported by the sliding of outer walls of BNNT. Osteoblast proliferation and cell viability show no adverse effect of BNNT addition. HA-BNNT composite is, thus, envisioned as a potential material for stronger orthopedic implants. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Production and Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes and Nanotube-Based Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nikolaev, Pavel; Arepalli, Sivaram; Holmes, William; Gorelik, Olga; Files, Brad; Scott, Carl; Santos, Beatrice; Mayeaux, Brian; Victor, Joe

1999-01-01

up. We are also working on necessary purification of nanotubes. Applications of nanotubes are in such various fields as lightweight composites, molecular electronics, energy storage (electrodes in Li ion batteries), flat panel displays, conductive polymers, etc. JSC nanotube team is focused on development of lightweight materials. We work on the injection thermoset epoxies reinforced with nanotubes. Early results show good wetting of nanotube surface with epoxy, which is very important. More research will be possible as more nanotubes become available.

Non-Conventional Carbon Nanotube Skeleton Reinforced Composites for Space Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hepp, Felicitas; Pfeiffer, E. K.; Pereira, C.; Martins, M.; Liedtke, V.; Macho, C.; Aschenbrenner, O.; Forero, S.; Linke, S.; Masouras, A.; Vavouliotis, A.; Kostopoulos, V.; Wulz, H.-G.; Pambaguian, L.

2014-06-01

Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) embedded in composite materials like CFRP, polymers or ceramics, can improve specific performance characteristics such as e.g. electrical conductivity, mechanical fatigue and crack propagation, mechanical properties, alpha/epsilon values, PIM-reduction, EMC shielding, etc.CNT skeletons, also called Bucky papers and Bucky discs, are macroscopic aggregates of Carbon Nanotubes. These skeletons are used in composites with different matrices, namely metal, ceramic or polymer or directly used in CFRP composites.The aim is to increase the performance of composite space structures by increasing the material characteristics or provide composites with additional sensing abilities like structural health monitoring.

Silicon Carbide Nanotube Synthesized

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lienhard, Michael A.; Larkin, David J.

2003-01-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have generated a great deal of scientific and commercial interest because of the countless envisioned applications that stem from their extraordinary materials properties. Included among these properties are high mechanical strength (tensile and modulus), high thermal conductivity, and electrical properties that make different forms of single-walled CNTs either conducting or semiconducting, and therefore, suitable for making ultraminiature, high-performance CNT-based electronics, sensors, and actuators. Among the limitations for CNTs is their inability to survive in high-temperature, harsh-environment applications. Silicon carbon nanotubes (SiCNTs) are being developed for their superior material properties under such conditions. For example, SiC is stable in regards to oxidation in air to temperatures exceeding 1000 C, whereas carbon-based materials are limited to 600 C. The high-temperature stability of SiCNTs is envisioned to enable high-temperature, harsh-environment nanofiber- and nanotube-reinforced ceramics. In addition, single-crystal SiC-based semiconductors are being developed for hightemperature, high-power electronics, and by analogy to CNTs with silicon semiconductors, SiCNTs with single-crystal SiC-based semiconductors may allow high-temperature harsh-environment nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and nanoactuators to be realized. Another challenge in CNT development is the difficulty of chemically modifying the tube walls, which are composed of chemically stable graphene sheets. The chemical substitution of the CNTs walls will be necessary for nanotube self-assembly and biological- and chemical-sensing applications. SiCNTs are expected to have a different multiple-bilayer wall structure, allowing the surface Si atoms to be functionalized readily with molecules that will allow SiCNTs to undergo self-assembly and be compatible with a variety of materials (for biotechnology applications and high-performance fiber-reinforced ceramics).

Fiber Reinforced Composite Cores and Panels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Day, Stephen W. (Inventor); Campbell, G. Scott (Inventor); Tilton, Danny E. (Inventor); Stoll, Frederick (Inventor); Sheppard, Michael (Inventor); Banerjee, Robin (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A fiber reinforced core panel is formed from strips of plastics foam helically wound with layers of rovings to form webs which may extend in a wave pattern or may intersect transverse webs. Hollow tubes may replace foam strips. Axial rovings cooperate with overlying helically wound rovings to form a beam or a column. Wound roving patterns may vary along strips for structural efficiency. Wound strips may alternate with spaced strips, and spacers between the strips enhance web buckling strength. Continuously wound rovings between spaced strips permit folding to form panels with reinforced edges. Continuously wound strips are helically wrapped to form annular structures, and composite panels may combine both thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Continuously wound strips or strip sections may be continuously fed either longitudinally or laterally into molding apparatus which may receive skin materials to form reinforced composite panels.

Role of surfactants in carbon nanotubes density gradient separation.

PubMed

Carvalho, Elton J F; dos Santos, Maria Cristina

2010-02-23

Several strategies aimed at sorting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) by diameter and/or electronic structure have been developed in recent years. A nondestructive sorting method was recently proposed in which nanotube bundles are dispersed in water-surfactant solutions and submitted to ultracentrifugation in a density gradient. By this method, SWNTs of different diameters are distributed according to their densities along the centrifuge tube. A mixture of two anionic amphiphiles, namely sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and sodium cholate (SC), presented the best performance in discriminating nanotubes by diameter. We present molecular dynamics studies of the water-surfactant-SWNT system. The simulations revealed one aspect of the discriminating power of surfactants: they can actually be attracted toward the interior of the nanotube cage. The binding energies of SDS and SC on the outer nanotube surface are very similar and depend weakly on diameter. The binding inside the tubes, on the contrary, is strongly diameter dependent: SDS fits best inside tubes with diameters ranging from 8 to 9 A, while SC is best accommodated in larger tubes, with diameters in the range 10.5-12 A. The dynamics at room temperature showed that, as the amphiphile moves to the hollow cage, water molecules are dragged together, thereby promoting the nanotube filling. The resulting densities of filled SWNT are in agreement with measured densities.

Prediction of Elastic Constants of the Fuzzy Fibre Reinforced Polymer Using Computational Micromechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawlik, Marzena; Lu, Yiling

2018-05-01

Computational micromechanics is a useful tool to predict properties of carbon fibre reinforced polymers. In this paper, a representative volume element (RVE) is used to investigate a fuzzy fibre reinforced polymer. The fuzzy fibre results from the introduction of nanofillers in the fibre surface. The composite being studied contains three phases, namely: the T650 carbon fibre, the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced interphase and the epoxy resin EPIKOTE 862. CNTs are radially grown on the surface of the carbon fibre, and thus resultant interphase composed of nanotubes and matrix is transversely isotropic. Transversely isotropic properties of the interphase are numerically implemented in the ANSYS FEM software using element orientation command. Obtained numerical predictions are compared with the available analytical models. It is found that the CNTs interphase significantly increased the transverse mechanical properties of the fuzzy fibre reinforced polymer. This extent of enhancement changes monotonically with the carbon fibre volume fraction. This RVE model enables to investigate different orientation of CNTs in the fuzzy fibre model.

Composite microparticles of halloysite clay nanotubes bound by calcium carbonate.

PubMed

Jin, Yi; Yendluri, Raghuvara; Chen, Bin; Wang, Jingbo; Lvov, Yuri

2016-03-15

Natural halloysite clay nanotubes with 15 nm inner and 75 nm outer diameters have been used as vehicles for sustained release of drugs in composite hollow microparticles "glued" with CaCO3. We used a layer-by layer assembly accomplished alginate binding with Ca(2+) followed by CO2 bubbling to prepare the composite microspheres of CaCO3 and polyelectrolytes (PE) modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-PE2/CaCO3) with the diameter of about 5-10 μm. These microparticles have empty spherical structure and abundant pore distributions with maxima at 2.5, 3.9, 6.0 and 13.3 nm, and higher surface area of 82.3 m(2) g(-1) as characterized by SEM and BET test. We loaded drugs in these micro-nano carriers of tight piles of halloysite nanotube with end clogged with CaCO3. The sustained release of Nifedipine drug from HNTs-PE2/CaCO3 composite microspheres was slower than for pristine halloysite nanotubes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Kirkendall effect towards oxynitride nanotubes with improved visible light driven conversion of CO2 into CH4.

PubMed

Zhou, P; Gao, H L; Yan, S C; Zou, Z G

2016-02-28

Functional hollow nanomaterials are of great interest due to their unique physical-chemical properties. Oxynitride photocatalysts are a kind of promising material for solar energy conversion. However, nanoscale design of hollow oxynitrides was difficult to achieve due to the thermal instability of oxide precursors at high temperature. Here, single crystal zinc gallium oxynitride nanotubes were successfully synthesized via the Kirkendall effect with ZnO nanorods and Ga2O3 nanosheets as precursors, which can be attributed to the high diffusion rate of ZnO and the high melting point of oxynitride. Enhanced photocatalytic performance in CO2 reduction was achieved over the as-prepared ZnGaNO nanotubes, due to their higher specific surface area and less recombination of the photogenerated carriers. These results are expected to provide new guidance in the design and preparation of highly efficient nano-scaled oxynitride photocatalysts.

Surface decoration of short-cut polyimide fibers with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and their application for reinforcement of lightweight PC/ABS composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Le; Han, Enlin; Wu, Yulun; Wang, Xiaodong; Wu, Dezhen

2018-06-01

The surface decoration of short-cut polyimide (PI) fibers with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was performed by fabricating a polydopamine (PDA) coating layer on the fiber surface and then immobilizing MWCNTs onto the coating layer via covalent bonding. This successful surface decoration was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared microscopy and static water contact angle. The application of the surface-decorated PI fibers as reinforcing fibers for reinforcement of polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) alloy was investigated, which indicated that the MWCNTs-decorated PI fibers not only could effectively reinforce the PC/ABS alloy but also generated a significant lightweighting effect on the resulting composites. The maximum mechanical properties were achieved for the composites at a fiber content of 20 wt.% and a fiber length of 3 mm. This significant reinforcement effect is attributed to the enhancement of interaction bonding strength between the fibers and matrix as a result of the surface decoration of PI fibers with MWCNTs. The morphological investigation suggested that fiber rupture was the major energy dissipation mechanism in the tensile and impact failures, whereas fiber debonding and pullout were partly involved in the fracture energy dissipation. In addition, the presence of surface-decorated PI fibers slightly enhanced the thermal stability and load bearing capability of composites. This work can provide a type of high-performance lightweight composite material for automobile and aviation industries.

Thermal characteristics of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jin-woo; Park, Soo-Jeong; Kim, Yun-hae; Riichi-Murakami

2018-06-01

The material with irregular atomic structures such as polymer material exhibits low thermal conductivity because of the complex structural properties. Even materials with same atomic configurations, thermal conductivity may be different based on their structural properties. It is expected that nanoparticles with conductivity will change non-conductive polymer base materials to electrical conductors, and improve the thermal conductivity even with extremely small filling amount. Nano-composite materials contain nanoparticles with a higher surface ratio which makes the higher interface percentage to the total surface of nanoparticles. Therefore, thermal resistance of the interface becomes a dominating factor determines the effective thermal conductivity in nano-composite materials. Carbon fiber has characteristic of resistance or magnetic induction and Also, Carbon nanotube (CNT) has electronic and thermal property. It can be applied for heating system. These characteristic are used as heating composite. In this research, the exothermic characteristics of Carbon fiber reinforced composite added CNT were evaluated depend on CNT length and particle size. It was found that the CNT dispersed in the resin reduces the resistance between the interfaces due to the decrease in the total resistance of the heating element due to the addition of CNTs. It is expected to improve the life and performance of the carbon fiber composite material as a result of the heating element resulting from this paper.

Polymerization initated at sidewalls of carbon nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tour, James M. (Inventor); Hudson, Jared L. (Inventor); Krishnamoorti, Ramanan (Inventor); Yurekli, Koray (Inventor); Mitchell, Cynthia A. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

The present invention is directed to aryl halide (such as aryl bromide) functionalized carbon nanotubes that can be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials with improved dispersion ability in polymer matrices. In this process the aryl halide is reacted with an alkyllithium species or is reacted with a metal to replace the aryl-bromine bond with an aryl-lithium or aryl-metal bond, respectively. It has further been discovered that other functionalized carbon nanotubes, after deprotonation with a deprotonation agent, can similarly be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials. Additionally or alternatively, a ring opening polymerization process can be performed. The resultant materials can be used by themselves due to their enhanced strength and reinforcement ability when compared to their unbound polymer analogs. Additionally, these materials can also be blended with pre-formed polymers to establish compatibility and enhanced dispersion of nanotubes in otherwise hard to disperse matrices resulting in significantly improved material properties. The resultant polymer-carbon nanotube materials can also be used in drug delivery processes due to their improved dispersion ability and biodegradability, and can also be used for scaffolding to promote cellular growth of tissue.

Development and Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) Reinforced Al-based Nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gujba, Kachalla Abdullahi

Composites are engineered materials developed from constituent materials; matrix and reinforcements, to attain synergistic behavior at the micro and macroscopic level which are different from the individual materials. The high specific strength, low weight, excellent chemical resistance and fatigue endurance makes these composites superior than other materials despite anisotropic behaviors. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have excellent physical and mechanical properties and alumium (Al) alloy composites have gained considerable interest and are used in multiple industries including: aerospace, structural and automotive. The aim of this research work is to develop an advanced Al-based nanocomposites reinforced with Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and silicon carbide particulates (SiCp) nanophases using mechanical alloying and advanced consolidation procedure (Non-conventional) i.e. Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) using two types of aluminum alloys (Al-7Si-0.3mg and Al-12Si-0.3Mg). Different concentrations of SiCp and CNTs were added and ball milled for different milling periods under controlled atmosphere to study the effect of milling time and the distribution of the second phases. Characterization techniques were used to investigate the morphology of the as received monolithic and milled powder using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Mapping, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Particle Size Analyses (PSA). The results revealed that the addition of high concentrations of SiCp and CNTs in both alloys aided in refining the structure of the resulting powder further as the reinforcement particles acted like a grinding agent. Good distribution of reinforcing particles was observed from SEM and no compositional fluctuations were observed from the EDS. Some degree of agglomerations was observed despite the ethyl alcohol sonication effect of the CNTs before ball milling. From the XRD; continuous reduction in crystallite size and

Large-scale synthesis of lead telluride (PbTe) nanotube-based nanocomposites with tunable morphology, crystallinity and thermoelectric properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Kee-Ryung; Cho, Hong-Baek; Song, Yoseb; Kim, Seil; Kwon, Young-Tae; Ryu, Seung Han; Lim, Jae-Hong; Lee, Woo-Jin; Choa, Yong-Ho

2018-04-01

A few millimeter-long lead telluride (PbTe) hollow nanofibers with thermoelectric properties was synthesized for the first time with high through manner via three-step sequential process of electrospinning, electrodeposition and cationic exchange reaction. As-synthesized electrospun Ag nanofibers with ultra-long aspect ratio of 10,000 were Te electrodeposited to obtain silver telluride nanotubes and underwent cationic exchange reaction in Pb(NO3)2 solution to obtain polycrystalline PbTe nanotubes with average diameter of 100 nm with 20 nm of wall thickness. Variation of the Ag-to-Pb ratio in the AgxTey-PbTe nanocomposites during the cationic exchange reaction enabled to control the thermoelectric properties of resulting 1D hollow nanofibers. The diameter of Ag nanofiber is the key factor to determine the final dimension of the PbTe nanotubes in the topotactic transformation and the content of Ag ion leads to the enhancement of thermoelectric properties in the AgxTey-PbTe nanocomposites. The synthesized 1D nanocomposite mats showed the highest value of Seebeck coefficient of 433 μV/K (at 300 K) when the remained Ag content was 30%, while the power factor reached highest to 0.567 μW/mK2 for the pure PbTe nanotubes. The enhancement of thermoelectric properties and the composite crystallinity are elucidated with relation to Ag contents in the resulting 1D nanocomposites.

Synthesis and applications of titania nanotubes: Drug delivery and ionomer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkarni, Harsha Prabhakar

, nanotube-polymer conjugates with nanotubes as reinforcing structures in a polymer matrix with improved mechanical properties are equally promising for structural applications. Nanotubes are used as reinforcing structures in Surlyn, a polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid polymer containing ions. When cooled from the melt, Surlyn shows strong aging effects on mechanical properties over periods of several days to months. Structures in the matrix of the polymer which form with time are responsible for these aging effects on mechanical properties. Aging at short times after cooling from the melt reveal subtle contributions from these structures not fully formed and mechanical properties not fully recovered. Nanotubes are used as reinforcing structures to improve the mechanical properties at short aging times, a property desired for high temperature applications demanding a quick recovery of mechanical properties. A unique Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) based Local Thermal Analysis (LTA) probe is used to study the mechanical properties of Surlyn and Nanotube-Surlyn composite. Nanotube-Surlyn composites show superior mechanical properties at both short and long aging times after cooling from the melt, as the structures in the matrix continue to form at long aging times.

Polymerization Initiated at the Sidewalls of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tour, James M.; Hudson, Jared L.

2011-01-01

A process has been developed for growing polymer chains via anionic, cationic, or radical polymerization from the side walls of functionalized carbon nanotubes, which will facilitate greater dispersion in polymer matrices, and will greatly enhance reinforcement ability in polymeric material.

Performance of Nanotube-Based Ceramic Composites: Modeling and Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curtin, W. A.; Sheldon, B. W.; Xu, J.

2004-01-01

The excellent mechanical properties of carbon-nanotubes are driving research into the creation of new strong, tough nanocomposite systems. In this program, our initial work presented the first evidence of toughening mechanisms operating in carbon-nanotube- reinforced ceramic composites using a highly-ordered array of parallel multiwall carbon-nanotubes (CNTs) in an alumina matrix. Nanoindentation introduced controlled cracks and the damage was examined by SEM. These nanocomposites exhibit the three hallmarks of toughening in micron-scale fiber composites: crack deflection at the CNT/matrix interface; crack bridging by CNTs; and CNT pullout on the fracture surfaces. Furthermore, for certain geometries a new mechanism of nanotube collapse in shear bands was found, suggesting that these materials can have multiaxial damage tolerance. The quantitative indentation data and computational models were used to determine the multiwall CNT axial Young's modulus as 200-570 GPa, depending on the nanotube geometry and quality.

Nanostructured composite reinforced material

DOEpatents

Seals, Roland D [Oak Ridge, TN; Ripley, Edward B [Knoxville, TN; Ludtka, Gerard M [Oak Ridge, TN

2012-07-31

A family of materials wherein nanostructures and/or nanotubes are incorporated into a multi-component material arrangement, such as a metallic or ceramic alloy or composite/aggregate, producing a new material or metallic/ceramic alloy. The new material has significantly increased strength, up to several thousands of times normal and perhaps substantially more, as well as significantly decreased weight. The new materials may be manufactured into a component where the nanostructure or nanostructure reinforcement is incorporated into the bulk and/or matrix material, or as a coating where the nanostructure or nanostructure reinforcement is incorporated into the coating or surface of a "normal" substrate material. The nanostructures are incorporated into the material structure either randomly or aligned, within grains, or along or across grain boundaries.

In situ formation of titanium carbide using titanium and carbon-nanotube powders by laser cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savalani, M. M.; Ng, C. C.; Li, Q. H.; Man, H. C.

2012-01-01

Titanium metal matrix composite coatings are considered to be important candidates for high wear resistance applications. In this study, TiC reinforced Ti matrix composite layers were fabricated by laser cladding with 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% carbon-nanotube. The effects of the carbon-nanotube content on phase composition, microstructure, micro-hardness and dry sliding wear resistance of the coating were studied. Microstructural observation using scanning electron microscopy showed that the coatings consisted of a matrix of alpha-titanium phases and the reinforcement phase of titanium carbide in the form of fine dendrites, indicating that titanium carbide was synthesized by the in situ reaction during laser irradiation. Additionally, measurements on the micro-hardness and dry sliding wear resistance of the coatings indicated that the mechanical properties were affected by the amount of carbon-nanotube in the starting precursor materials and were enhanced by increasing the carbon-nanotube content. Results indicated that the composite layers exhibit high hardness and excellent wear resistance.

Elastomer Filled With Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Files, Bradley S.; Forest, Craig R.

2004-01-01

Experiments have shown that composites of a silicone elastomer with single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are significantly stronger and stiffer than is the unfilled elastomer. The large strengthening and stiffening effect observed in these experiments stands in contrast to the much smaller strengthening effect observed in related prior efforts to reinforce epoxies with SWNTs and to reinforce a variety of polymers with multiple-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). The relative largeness of the effect in the case of the silicone-elastomer/SWNT composites appears to be attributable to (1) a better match between the ductility of the fibers and the elasticity of the matrix and (2) the greater tensile strengths of SWNTs, relative to MWNTs. For the experiments, several composites were formulated by mixing various proportions of SWNTs and other filling materials into uncured RTV-560, which is a silicone adhesive commonly used in aerospace applications. Specimens of a standard "dog-bone" size and shape for tensile testing were made by casting the uncured elastomer/filler mixtures into molds, curing the elastomer, then pressing the specimens from a "cookie-cutter" die. The results of tensile tests of the specimens showed that small percentages of SWNT filler led to large increases in stiffness and tensile strength, and that these increases were greater than those afforded by other fillers. For example, the incorporation of SWNTs in a proportion of 1 percent increased the tensile strength by 44 percent and the modulus of elasticity (see figure) by 75 percent. However, the relative magnitudes of the increases decreased with increasing nanotube percentages because more nanotubes made the elastomer/nanotube composites more brittle. At an SWNT content of 10 percent, the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were 125 percent and 562 percent, respectively, greater than the corresponding values for the unfilled elastomer.

Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Flexible Windows for Blast Protection

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

transparent plastic composite for use as a material for window or as a laminate layer in the blast-resistant glazed window. This program focused...materials for window or as a laminate layer in the blast-resistant glazed window. It is obvious that further increasing the mechanical properties of...Dr. Ben Wang led the effort for design/fabrication of windows from the nanotube assembly and lamination experiments. 6 3. RESULTS AND

Development of lightweight aluminum compression panels reinforced by boron-epoxy infiltrated extrusions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roy, P. A.; Mcelman, J. A.; Henshaw, J.

1973-01-01

Analytical and experimental studies were performed to evaluate the structural efficiencies afforded by the selective reinforcement of conventional aluminum compression panels with unidirectional boron epoxy composite materials. A unique approach for selective reinforcement was utilized called boron/epoxy infiltration. This technique uses extruded metal sections with preformed hollow voids into which unidirectional boron filaments are drawn and subsequently infiltrated with resin to form an integral part. Simplified analytical models were developed to investigate the behavior of stiffener webs with reinforced flanges. Theoretical results are presented demonstrating the effects of transverse shear, of the reinforcement, flange eccentricity and torsional stiffness in such construction. A series of 55 tests were conducted on boron-infiltrated rods and extruded structural sections.

Reinforced carbon fiber laminates with oriented carbon nanotube epoxy nanocomposites: Magnetic field assisted alignment and cryogenic temperature mechanical properties.

PubMed

He, Yuxin; Yang, Song; Liu, Hu; Shao, Qian; Chen, Qiuyu; Lu, Chang; Jiang, Yuanli; Liu, Chuntai; Guo, Zhanhu

2018-05-01

The epoxy nanocomposites with ordered multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to influence the micro-cracks resistance of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CF/EP) laminate at 77 K, Oxidized MWCNTs functionalized with Fe 3 O 4 (Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs) with good magnetic properties were prepared by co-precipitation method and used to modify epoxy (EP) for cryogenic applications. Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs reinforced carbon fiber epoxy composites were also prepared through vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The ordered Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs were observed to have effectively improved the mechanical properties of epoxy (EP) matrix at 77 K and reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of EP matrix. The ordered Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs also obviously improved the micro-cracks resistance of CF/EP composites at 77 K. Compared to neat EP, the CTE of ordered Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs modified CF/EP composites was decreased 37.6%. Compared to CF/EP composites, the micro-cracks density of ordered Fe 3 O 4 /O-MWCNTs modified CF/EP composites at 77 K was decreased 37.2%. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Confined NaAlH4 nanoparticles inside CeO2 hollow nanotubes towards enhanced hydrogen storage.

PubMed

Gao, Qili; Xia, Guanglin; Yu, Xuebin

2017-10-05

NaAlH 4 has been widely regarded as a potential hydrogen storage material due to its favorable thermodynamics and high energy density. The high activation energy barrier and high dehydrogenation temperature, however, significantly hinder its practical application. In this paper, CeO 2 hollow nanotubes (HNTs) prepared by a simple electrospinning technique are adopted as functional scaffolds to support NaAlH 4 nanoparticles (NPs) towards advanced hydrogen storage performance. The nanoconfined NaAlH 4 inside CeO 2 HNTs, synthesized via the infiltration of molten NaAlH 4 into the CeO 2 HNTs under high hydrogen pressure, exhibited significantly improved dehydrogenation properties compared with both bulk and ball-milled CeO 2 HNTs-catalyzed NaAlH 4 . The onset dehydrogenation temperature of the NaAlH 4 @CeO 2 composite was reduced to below 100 °C, with only one main dehydrogenation peak appearing at 130 °C, which is 120 °C and 50 °C lower than for its bulk counterpart and for the ball-milled CeO 2 HNTs-catalyzed NaAlH 4 , respectively. Moreover, ∼5.09 wt% hydrogen could be released within 30 min at 180 °C, while only 1.6 wt% hydrogen was desorbed from the ball-milled NaAlH 4 under the same conditions. This significant improvement is mainly attributed to the synergistic effects contributed by the CeO 2 HNTs, which could act as not only a structural scaffold to fabricate and confine the NaAlH 4 NPs, but also as an effective catalyst to enhance the hydrogen storage performance of NaAlH 4 .

Inorganic Nanotubes and Fullerene-Like Nanoparticles:. from the Lab to the Market Place

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tenne, R.

2013-05-01

Layered compounds, like MoS2 were shown by the author to be unstable in the nano-regime. Using new chemical strategies, closed-cage hollow nanostructures in the form of inorganic fullerene-like nanoparticles and inorganic nanotubes were synthesized. These nanostructures exhibit numerous interesting physico-chemical properties and are employed as superior solid lubricants, with numerous other applications currently being developed.

Solid-phase extraction using bis(indolyl)methane-modified silica reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the simultaneous determination of flavonoids and aromatic organic acid preservatives.

PubMed

Wang, Na; Liao, Yuan; Wang, Jiamin; Tang, Sheng; Shao, Shijun

2015-12-01

A novel bis(indolyl)methane-modified silica reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbent for solid-phase extraction was designed and synthesized by chemical immobilization of nitro-substituted 3,3'-bis(indolyl)methane on silica modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, the extraction properties of the sorbent were evaluated for flavonoids and aromatic organic acid compounds. Under optimum conditions, the sorbent can simultaneously extract five flavonoids and two aromatic organic acid preservatives in aqueous solutions in a single-step solid-phase extraction procedure. Wide linear ranges were obtained with correlation coefficients (R(2) ) ranging from 0.9843 to 0.9976, and the limits of detection were in the range of 0.5-5 μg/L for the compounds tested. Compared with the silica modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbent and the nitro-substituted 3,3'-bis(indolyl)methane-modified silica sorbent, the developed sorbent exhibited higher extraction efficiency toward the selected analytes. The synergistic effect of nitro-substituted 3,3'-bis(indolyl)methane and multiwalled carbon nanotubes not only improved the surface-to-volume ratio but also enhanced multiple intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, π-π, and hydrophobic interactions, between the new sorbent and the selected analytes. The as-established solid-phase extraction with high-performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of flavonoids and aromatic organic acid preservatives in grape juices with recoveries ranging from 83.9 to 112% for all the selected analytes. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Composite Reinforcement using Boron Nitride Nanotubes

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-15

atomistic environment, which often results in notable changes of its binding to the system. By contrast, Cu and Ti exhibits quite uniform behaviour ...contrast, Cu and Ti exhibits quite uniform behaviour and hardly change their binding energy with tube size for the systems investigated. Studies on...reinforced Cu is rather brittle and therefore comparison of the behaviour of Al, Ti and Cu is important, and also because Cu is used in alloys to produce

Improved Composites Using Crosslinked, Surface-Modified Carbon Nanotube Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baker, James Stewart

2014-01-01

Individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit exceptional tensile strength and stiffness; however, these properties have not translated well to the macroscopic scale. Premature failure of bulk CNT materials under tensile loading occurs due to the relatively weak frictional forces between adjacent CNTs, leading to poor load transfer through the material. When used in polymer matrix composites (PMCs), the weak nanotube-matrix interaction leads to the CNTs providing less than optimal reinforcement.Our group is examining the use of covalent crosslinking and surface modification as a means to improve the tensile properties of PMCs containing carbon nanotubes. Sheet material comprised of unaligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was used as a drop-in replacement for carbon fiber in the composites. A variety of post-processing methods have been examined for covalently crosslinking the CNTs to overcome the weak inter-nanotube shear interactions, resulting in improved tensile strength and modulus for the bulk sheet material. Residual functional groups from the crosslinking chemistry may have the added benefit of improving the nanotube-matrix interaction. Composites prepared using these crosslinked, surface-modified nanotube sheet materials exhibit superior tensile properties to composites using the as received CNT sheet material.

Simplified equation for Young's modulus of CNT reinforced concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandran, RameshBabu; Gifty Honeyta A, Maria

2017-12-01

This research investigation focuses on finite element modeling of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced concrete matrix for three grades of concrete namely M40, M60 and M120. Representative volume element (RVE) was adopted and one-eighth model depicting the CNT reinforced concrete matrix was simulated using FEA software ANSYS17.2. Adopting random orientation of CNTs, with nine fibre volume fractions from 0.1% to 0.9%, finite element modeling simulations replicated exactly the CNT reinforced concrete matrix. Upon evaluations of the model, the longitudinal and transverse Young's modulus of elasticity of the CNT reinforced concrete was arrived. The graphical plots between various fibre volume fractions and the concrete grade revealed simplified equation for estimating the young's modulus. It also exploited the fact that the concrete grade does not have significant impact in CNT reinforced concrete matrix.

Preparation of N-doped ZnO-loaded halloysite nanotubes catalysts with high solar-light photocatalytic activity.

PubMed

Cheng, Zhi-Lin; Sun, Wei

2015-01-01

N-doped ZnO nanoparticles were successfully assembled into hollow halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) by using the impregnation method. The catalysts based on N-doped ZnO-loaded HNTs nanocomposites (N-doped ZnO/HNTs) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (TEM-EDX), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), UV-vis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The XRD pattern showed ZnO nanoparticles with hexagonal structure loaded on HNTs. The TEM-EDX analysis indicated ZnO particles with the crystal size of ca.10 nm scattered in hollow structure of HNTs, and furthermore the concentration of N atom in nanocomposites was up to 2.31%. The SEM-EDX verified most of N-ZnO nanoparticles existing in hollow nanotubes of HNTs. Besides containing an obvious ultraviolet absorbance band, the UV-vis spectra of the N-doped ZnO/HNTs catalysts showed an available visible absorbance band by comparing to HNTs and non-doped ZnO/HNTs. The photocatalytic activity of the N-doped ZnO/HNTs catalysts was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) solution with the concentration of 20 mg/L under the simulated solar-light irradiation. The result showed that the N-doped ZnO/HNTs catalyst exhibited a desirable solar-light photocatalytic activity.

Synthesis of Stacked-Cup Carbon Nanotubes in a Metal Free Low Temperature System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kimura, Yuki; Nuth, Joseph A.; Johnson, Natasha M.; Farmer, Kevin D.; Roberts, Kenneth P.; Hussaini, Syed R.

2011-01-01

Stacked-cup carbon nanotubes were formed by either Fischer-Tropsch type or Haber Bosch type reactions in a metal free system. Graphite particles were used as the catalyst. The samples were heated at 600 C in a gas mixture of CO 75 Torr, N2 75 Torr and H2 550 Torr for three days. Trans mission electron microscope analysis of the catalyst surface at the completion of the experiment recognized the growth of nanotubes. They were 10-50 nm in diameter and approximately 1 micrometer in length. They had a hollow channel of 5-20 nm in the center. The nanotubes may have grown on graphite surfaces by the CO disproportionation reaction and the surface tension of the carbon nucleus may have determined the diameter. Although, generally, the diameter of a carbon nanotube depends on the size of the cataly1ic particles, the diameter of the nanotubes on graphite particles was independent of the particle size and significantly confined within a narrow range compared with that produced using catalytic amorphous iron-silicate nanoparticles. Therefore, they must have an unknown formation process that is different than the generally accepted mechanism.

Study on the Tensile Creep Behavior of Carbon Nanotubes-Reinforced Sn-58Bi Solder Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Li; Liu, Haixiang; Zhang, Yaocheng

2018-01-01

The microstructure and tensile creep behavior of plain Sn-58Bi solder and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-reinforced composite solder joints were investigated. The stress exponent n under different stresses and the creep activation energy Q c under different temperatures of solder joints were obtained by an empirical equation. The results reveal that the microstructure of the composite solder joint is refined and the tensile creep resistance is improved by CNTs. The improvement of creep behavior is due to the microstructural change of the composite solder joints, since the CNTs could provide more obstacles for dislocation pile-up, which enhances the values of the stress exponent and the creep activation energy. The steady-state tensile creep rates of plain solder and composite solder joints are increased with increasing temperature and applied stress. The tensile creep constitutive equations of plain solder and composite solder joints are written as \\dot{ɛ }_{s1} = 14.94( {σ /G} )^{3.7} \\exp ( { - 81444/RT} ) and \\dot{ɛ }_{s2} = 2.5( {σ /G} )^{4.38} \\exp ( { - 101582/RT} ) , respectively. The tensile creep mechanism of the solder joints is the effects of lattice diffusion determined by dislocation climbing.

Analytical and numerical techniques for predicting the interfacial stresses of wavy carbon nanotube/polymer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazdchi, K.; Salehi, M.; Shokrieh, M. M.

2009-03-01

By introducing a new simplified 3D representative volume element for wavy carbon nanotubes, an analytical model is developed to study the stress transfer in single-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composites. Based on the pull-out modeling technique, the effects of waviness, aspect ratio, and Poisson ratio on the axial and interfacial shear stresses are analyzed in detail. The results of the present analytical model are in a good agreement with corresponding results for straight nanotubes.

Environmental aging and degradation of multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforced polypropylene

EPA Science Inventory

The degradation of polypropylene (PP) and PP-multiwalled carbon nanotube (PP-MWCNT) panels during environmental weathering resulted in an increased degree of crystallinity, making them brittle, and creating surface cracks. The degradation led to a breakdown of the panels and incr...

New Method Developed To Purify Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes for Aerospace Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebron, Marisabel; Meador, Michael A.

2003-01-01

Single wall carbon nanotubes have attracted considerable attention because of their remarkable mechanical properties and electrical and thermal conductivities. Use of these materials as primary or secondary reinforcements in polymers or ceramics could lead to new materials with significantly enhanced mechanical strength and electrical and thermal conductivity. Use of carbon-nanotube-reinforced materials in aerospace components will enable substantial reductions in component weight and improvements in durability and safety. Potential applications for single wall carbon nanotubes include lightweight components for vehicle structures and propulsion systems, fuel cell components (bipolar plates and electrodes) and battery electrodes, and ultra-lightweight materials for use in solar sails. A major barrier to the successful use of carbon nanotubes in these components is the need for methods to economically produce pure carbon nanotubes in large enough quantities to not only evaluate their suitability for certain applications but also produce actual components. Most carbon nanotube synthesis methods, including the HiPCO (high pressure carbon monoxide) method developed by Smalley and others, employ metal catalysts that remain trapped in the final product. These catalyst impurities can affect nanotube properties and accelerate their decomposition. The development of techniques to remove most, if not all, of these impurities is essential to their successful use in practical applications. A new method has been developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center to purify gram-scale quantities of single wall carbon nanotubes. This method, a modification of a gas phase purification technique previously reported by Smalley and others, uses a combination of high-temperature oxidations and repeated extractions with nitric and hydrochloric acid. This improved procedure significantly reduces the amount of impurities (catalyst and nonnanotube forms of carbon) within the nanotubes, increasing

Effects of Carbon Nanomaterial Reinforcement on Composite Joints Under Cyclic and Impact Loading

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

prepreg . 2 Figure 1. Composite decks on DDG1000. (From [3]) Figure 2. USV built from nanotube-reinforced carbon fiber composites. (From [2...been proven that the infusion of CNTs enhances the strength and fracture toughness of CFRP laminates under static loading (mode I and mode II...Kostopoulos et al. [5] investigated the influence of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the impact and after-impact behavior of CFRP laminates

Template directed synthesis of plasmonic gold nanotubes with tunable IR absorbance.

PubMed

Bridges, Colin R; Schon, Tyler B; DiCarmine, Paul M; Seferos, Dwight S

2013-04-01

A nearly parallel array of pores can be produced by anodizing aluminum foils in acidic environments. Applications of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes have been under development since the 1990's and have become a common method to template the synthesis of high aspect ratio nanostructures, mostly by electrochemical growth or pore-wetting. Recently, these membranes have become commercially available in a wide range of pore sizes and densities, leading to an extensive library of functional nanostructures being synthesized from AAO membranes. These include composite nanorods, nanowires and nanotubes made of metals, inorganic materials or polymers. Nanoporous membranes have been used to synthesize nanoparticle and nanotube arrays that perform well as refractive index sensors, plasmonic biosensors, or surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates, as well as a wide range of other fields such as photo-thermal heating, permselective transport, catalysis, microfluidics, and electrochemical sensing. Here, we report a novel procedure to prepare gold nanotubes in AAO membranes. Hollow nanostructures have potential application in plasmonic and SERS sensing, and we anticipate these gold nanotubes will allow for high sensitivity and strong plasmon signals, arising from decreased material dampening.

Role of interfacial effects in carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposite behavior.

PubMed

Pécastaings, G; Delhaès, P; Derré, A; Saadaoui, H; Carmona, F; Cui, S

2004-09-01

The interfacial effects are critical to understand the nanocomposite behavior based on polymer matrices. These effects are dependent upon the morphology of carbon nanotubes, the type of used polymer and the processing technique. Indeed, we show that the different parameters, as the eventual surfactant use, the ultrasonic treatment and shear mixing have to be carefully examined, in particular, for nanotube dispersion and their possible alignment. A series of multiwalled nanotubes (MWNT) have been mixed with a regular epoxy resin under a controlled way to prepare nanocomposites. The influence of nanotube content is examined through helium bulk density, glass transition temperature of the matrix and direct current electrical conductivity measurements. These results, including the value of the percolation threshold, are analyzed in relationship with the mesostructural organization of these nanotubes, which is observed by standard and conductive probe atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. The wrapping effect of the organic matrix along the nanotubes is evidenced and analyzed to get a better understanding of the final composite characteristics, in particular, for eventually reinforcing the matrix without covalent bonding.

Interface enhancement of glass fiber reinforced vinyl ester composites with flame-synthesized carbon nanotubes and its enhancing mechanism.

PubMed

Liao, Lingmin; Wang, Xiao; Fang, Pengfei; Liew, Kim Meow; Pan, Chunxu

2011-02-01

Interface enhancement with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) provides a promising approach for improving shock strength and toughness of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites. The effects of incorporating flame-synthesized CNTs (F-CNTs) into GFRP were studied, including on hand lay-up preparation, microstructural characterization, mechanical properties, fracture morphologies, and theoretical calculation. The experimental results showed that: (1) the impact strength of the GFRP modified by F-CNTs increased by more than 15% over that of the GFRP modified by CNTs from chemical vapor deposition; and (2) with the F-CNT enhancement, no interfacial debonding was observed at the interface between the fiber and resin matrix on the GFRP fracture surface, which indicated strong adhesive strength between them. The theoretical calculation revealed that the intrinsic characteristics of the F-CNTs, including lower crystallinity with a large number of defects and chemical functional groups on the surface, promoted their surface activity and dispersibility at the interface, which improved the interfacial bond strength of GFRP.

Design and fabrication of a boron reinforced intertank skirt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henshaw, J.; Roy, P. A.; Pylypetz, P.

1974-01-01

Analytical and experimental studies were performed to evaluate the structural efficiency of a boron reinforced shell, where the medium of reinforcement consists of hollow aluminum extrusions infiltrated with boron epoxy. Studies were completed for the design of a one-half scale minimum weight shell using boron reinforced stringers and boron reinforced rings. Parametric and iterative studies were completed for the design of minimum weight stringers, rings, shells without rings and shells with rings. Computer studies were completed for the final evaluation of a minimum weight shell using highly buckled minimum gage skin. The detail design is described of a practical minimum weight test shell which demonstrates a weight savings of 30% as compared to an all aluminum longitudinal stiffened shell. Sub-element tests were conducted on representative segments of the compression surface at maximum stress and also on segments of the load transfer joint. A 10 foot long, 77 inch diameter shell was fabricated from the design and delivered for further testing.

Bioinspired self-healing of advanced composite structures using hollow glass fibres.

PubMed

Trask, R S; Williams, G J; Bond, I P

2007-04-22

Self-healing is receiving an increasing amount of worldwide interest as a method to autonomously address damage in materials. The incorporation of a self-healing capability within fibre-reinforced polymers has been investigated by a number of workers previously. The use of functional repair components stored inside hollow glass fibres (HGF) is one such bioinspired approach being considered. This paper considers the placement of self-healing HGF plies within both glass fibre/epoxy and carbon fibre/epoxy laminates to mitigate damage occurrence and restore mechanical strength. The study investigates the effect of embedded HGF on the host laminates mechanical properties and also the healing efficiency of the laminates after they were subjected to quasi-static impact damage. The results of flexural testing have shown that a significant fraction of flexural strength can be restored by the self-repairing effect of a healing resin stored within hollow fibres.

Core-Shell ZIF-8@ZIF-67-Derived CoP Nanoparticle-Embedded N-Doped Carbon Nanotube Hollow Polyhedron for Efficient Overall Water Splitting.

PubMed

Pan, Yuan; Sun, Kaian; Liu, Shoujie; Cao, Xing; Wu, Konglin; Cheong, Weng-Chon; Chen, Zheng; Wang, Yu; Li, Yang; Liu, Yunqi; Wang, Dingsheng; Peng, Qing; Chen, Chen; Li, Yadong

2018-02-21

The construction of highly active and stable non-noble-metal electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions is a major challenge for overall water splitting. Herein, we report a novel hybrid nanostructure with CoP nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in a N-doped carbon nanotube hollow polyhedron (NCNHP) through a pyrolysis-oxidation-phosphidation strategy derived from core-shell ZIF-8@ZIF-67. Benefiting from the synergistic effects between highly active CoP NPs and NCNHP, the CoP/NCNHP hybrid exhibited outstanding bifunctional electrocatalytic performances. When the CoP/NCNHP was employed as both the anode and cathode for overall water splitting, a potential as low as 1.64 V was needed to achieve the current density of 10 mA·cm -2 , and it still exhibited superior activity after continuously working for 36 h with nearly negligible decay in potential. Density functional theory calculations indicated that the electron transfer from NCNHP to CoP could increase the electronic states of the Co d-orbital around the Fermi level, which could increase the binding strength with H and therefore improve the electrocatalytic performance. The strong stability is attributed to high oxidation resistance of the CoP surface protected by the NCNHP.

Recent advances in the research of inorganic nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tenne, Reshef

2014-06-01

This minireview outlines the main scientific directions in the research of inorganic nanotubes (INT) and fullerene-like (IF) nanoparticles from layered compounds, in recent years. In particular, this review describes to some detail the progress in the synthesis of new nanotubes, including those from misfit compounds; core-shell and the successful efforts to scale-up the synthesis of WS2 multiwall nanotubes. The high-temperature catalytic growth of nanotubes, via solar ablation is discussed as well. Furthermore, the doping of the IF-MoS2 nanoparticles and its influence on the physiochemical properties of the nanoparticles, including their interesting tribological properties are briefly discussed. Finally, the numerous applications of these nanoparticles as superior solid lubricants and for reinforcing variety of polymers are discussed in brief.

Synthesis and wear behavior of aluminum 6061 alloy reinforced with carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalil, Abdullah

In the present work, Al6061 alloy was uniformly reinforced with 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 2 wt. % Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) using two way dispersion method. For consolidation, Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) was used which resulted in very high densification for the matrix as well as composite. Results showed that addition of CNTs lead to increased hardness of the material and maximum hardness was found for 1 wt. % CNTs. So this composition was selected for detailed wear analysis. Pin-on-disk wear tests were conducted for the monolithic Al6061 and the composite at a constant speed of 0.5 m/s with varying load from 5 N to 30 N under dry sliding conditions using AISI 4140 steel disk as a counterface. The composite displayed lower wear rate and friction coefficient at lower levels of applied stress (0.175 to 0.525 MPa). Under higher stresses (0.700 to 1.050 MPa), the increased brittleness and porosity of the composite caused severe fracturing and delamination resulting in excessive wear rate and friction coefficient for the composite as compared to monolithic Al6061. The transition from mild to severe wear regime in composite occurred also at lower stress as compared to monolith. Analysis of the worn surfaces revealed abrasion as the dominant wear mechanism for both the materials at lower stresses. At higher stress levels, adhesion was found to be dominant in monolithic Al6061 whereas in composite, excessive sub-surface fracturing and delamination was mainly observed.

Single crystalline wurtzite ZnO/zinc blende ZnS coaxial heterojunctions and hollow zinc blende ZnS nanotubes: synthesis, structural characterization and optical properties.

PubMed

Huang, Xing; Willinger, Marc-Georg; Fan, Hua; Xie, Zai-lai; Wang, Lei; Klein-Hoffmann, Achim; Girgsdies, Frank; Lee, Chun-Sing; Meng, Xiang-Min

2014-08-07

Synthesis of ZnO/ZnS heterostructures under thermodynamic conditions generally results in the wurtzite (WZ) structure of the ZnS component because its WZ phase is thermodynamically more stable than its zinc blende (ZB) phase. In this report, we demonstrate for the first time the preparation of ZnO/ZnS coaxial nanocables composed of single crystalline ZB structured ZnS epitaxially grown on WZ ZnO via a two-step thermal evaporation method. The deposition temperature is believed to play a crucial role in determining the crystalline phase of ZnS. Through a systematic structural analysis, the ZnO core and the ZnS shell are found to have an orientation relationship of (0002)ZnO(WZ)//(002)ZnS(ZB) and [01-10]ZnO(WZ)//[2-20]ZnS(ZB). Observation of the coaxial nanocables in cross-section reveals the formation of voids between the ZnO core and the ZnS shell during the coating process, which is probably associated with the nanoscale Kirkendall effect known to result in porosity. Furthermore, by immersing the ZnO/ZnS nanocable heterojunctions in an acetic acid solution to etch away the inner ZnO cores, single crystalline ZnS nanotubes orientated along the [001] direction of the ZB structure were also achieved for the first time. Finally, optical properties of the hollow ZnS tubes were investigated and discussed in detail. We believe that our study could provide some insights into the controlled fabrication of one dimensional (1D) semiconductors with desired morphology, structure and composition at the nanoscale, and the synthesized WZ ZnO/ZB ZnS nanocables as well as ZB ZnS nanotubes could be ideal candidates for the study of optoelectronics based on II-VI semiconductors.

How do Colluvial Hollows Fill?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hales, T. C.; Parker, R.; Mudd, S. M.; Grieve, S. W. D.

2016-12-01

In humid, soil-mantled mountains shallow landslides commonly initiate in colluvial hollows, areas where convergent topography can lead to high pore pressures during storms. Immediately post-landslide initiation, a thin veneer of colluvial material accumulates by small-scale slumping from landslide headscarps. Thereafter colluvium accumulates in hollows primarily through creep-dominated processes like tree throw and animal burrowing, recording the hillslope sediment flux since the last landslide event. We measured the post-landslide hillslope sediment flux in 30 colluvial hollows in the southern Appalachians using radiocarbon measurements collected from soil pits excavated at the centre of steep, landslide-prone hollows. We collected material from the soil-saprolite/bedrock boundary at each location for radiocarbon dating and dated different chemical fractions of the soil (humic acid, humin, charcoal) in an attempt to bracket the "true" age of the soil. We calculated infilling rates of each hollow by measuring soil depths in cross-hollow transects and dividing this by the age of the hollow. The interquartile range of hollow basal ages is 2278-8184 cal. yrs B.P., demonstrating the long return period of landslides in most colluvial hollows. Hillslope erosion rates calculated assuming a linear diffusion transport law show that the transport coefficient (diffusivity) of the hollows varied by 4 orders of magnitude 10-5 to 10-1 m2 yr-1, despite the hollows being formed in regionally consistent geology and vegetation. Uncertainty in the dating and hollow geometry measurements can, at most, account for an order of magnitude of that variability. Our results show that hollows have a phase of rapid infilling that slows through time, consistent with previous observations. Despite this, the oldest hollows show several orders of magnitude variation in the transport coefficient, suggesting local, hollow scale variations in process significantly affect hillslope erosion rates.

Effect of Morphology and Size of Halloysite Nanotubes on Functional Pectin Bionanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications.

PubMed

Makaremi, Maziyar; Pasbakhsh, Pooria; Cavallaro, Giuseppe; Lazzara, Giuseppe; Aw, Yoong Kit; Lee, Sui Mae; Milioto, Stefana

2017-05-24

Pectin bionanocomposite films filled with various concentrations of two different types of halloysite nanotubes were prepared and characterized in this study as potential films for food packaging applications. The two types of halloysite nanotubes were long and thin (patch) (200-30 000 nm length) and short and stubby (Matauri Bay) (50-3000 nm length) with different morphological, physical, and dispersibility properties. Both matrix (pectin) and reinforcer (halloysite nanotubes) used in this study are considered as biocompatible, natural, and low-cost materials. Various characterization tests including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, release kinetics, contact angle, and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed to evaluate the performance of the pectin films. Exceptional thermal, tensile, and contact angle properties have been achieved for films reinforced by patch halloysite nanotubes due to the patchy and lengthy nature of these tubes, which form a bird nest structure in the pectin matrix. Matauri Bay halloysite nanotubes were dispersed uniformly and individually in the matrix in low and even high halloysite nanotube concentrations. Furthermore, salicylic acid as a biocidal agent was encapsulated in the halloysite nanotubes lumen to control its release kinetics. On this basis, halloysite nanotubes/salicylic acid hybrids were dispersed into the pectin matrix to develop functional biofilms with antimicrobial properties that can be extended over time. Results revealed that shorter nanotubes (Matauri Bay) had better ability for the encapsulation of salicylic acid into their lumen, while patchy structure and longer tubes of patch halloysite nanotubes made the encapsulation process more difficult, as they might need more time and energy to be fully loaded by salicylic acid. Moreover, antimicrobial activity of the films against four different strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria indicated the

Ultrathin Wall (1 nm) and Superlong Pt Nanotubes with Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance.

PubMed

Tao, Lu; Yu, Dan; Zhou, Junshuang; Lu, Xiong; Yang, Yunxia; Gao, Faming

2018-05-01

The synthesis of Pt nanotubes catalysts remains a substantial challenge, especially for those with both sub-nanometer wall thickness and micrometer-scale length characteristics. Combining techniques of insulin fibril template with Pd nanowire template, numerous Pt nanotubes with diameter of 5.5 nm, tube-length of several micrometers, and ultrathin wall thickness of 1 nm are assembled. These tubular catalysts with both open ends deliver electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 91.43 m 2 g pt -1 which results from multiple Pt atoms exposed on the inner and outer surfaces that doubled Pt atoms can participate in catalytic reactions, further with enhanced electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The ultrafine Pt nanotubes represent a class of hollow nanostructure with increased Pt-utilization and large ECSA, which is regarded as a type of cost-effective catalysts for ORR. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Rational design of anatase TiO2 architecture with hierarchical nanotubes and hollow microspheres for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Jiuwang; Khan, Javid; Chai, Zhisheng; Yuan, Yufei; Yu, Xiang; Liu, Pengyi; Wu, Mingmei; Mai, Wenjie

2016-01-01

Large surface area, sufficient light-harvesting and superior electron transport property are the major factors for an ideal photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which requires rational design of the nanoarchitectures and smart integration of state-of-the-art technologies. In this work, a 3D anatase TiO2 architecture consisting of vertically aligned 1D hierarchical TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) with ultra-dense branches (HTNTs, bottom layer) and 0D hollow TiO2 microspheres with rough surface (HTS, top layer) is first successfully constructed on transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide glass through a series of facile processes. When used as photoanodes, the DSSCs achieve a very large short-current density of 19.46 mA cm-2 and a high overall power conversion efficiency of 8.38%. The remarkable photovoltaic performance is predominantly ascribed to the enhanced charge transport capacity of the NTs (function as the electron highway), the large surface area of the branches (act as the electron branch lines), the pronounced light harvesting efficiency of the HTS (serve as the light scattering centers), and the engineered intimate interfaces between all of them (minimize the recombination effect). Our work demonstrates a possibility of fabricating superior photoanodes for high-performance DSSCs by rational design of nanoarchitectures and smart integration of multi-functional components.

Flame Synthesis of Single- and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanderWal, R. L.; Ticich, Thomas M.

2001-01-01

Metal-catalyzed carbon nanotubes are highly sought for a diverse range of applications that include nanoelectronics, battery electrode material, catalysis, hydrogen storage media and reinforcing agents in polymer composites. These latter applications will require vast quantities of nanotubes at competitive prices to be economically feasible. Moreover, reinforcing applications may not require ultrahigh purity nanotubes. Indeed, functionalization of nanotubes to facilitate interfacial bonding within composites will naturally introduce defects into the tube walls, lessening their tensile strength. Current methods of aerosol synthesis of carbon nanotubes include laser ablation of composite targets of carbon and catalyst metal within high temperature furnaces and decomposition of a organometallics in hydrocarbons mixtures within a tube furnace. Common to each approach is the generation of particles in the presence of the reactive hydrocarbon species at elevated temperatures. In the laser-ablation approach, the situation is even more dynamic in that particles and nanotubes are borne during the transient cooling phase of the laser-induced plasma for which the temperature far exceeds that of the surrounding hot gases within the furnace process tube. A shared limitation is that more efficient methods of nanoparticle synthesis are not readily incorporated into these approaches. In contrast, combustion can quite naturally create nanomaterials such as carbon black. Flame synthesis is well known for its commercial scalability and energy efficiency. However, flames do present a complex chemical environment with steep gradients in temperature and species concentrations. Moreover, reaction times are limited within buoyant driven flows to tens of milliseconds. Therein microgravity can greatly lessen temperature and spatial gradients while allowing independent control of flame residence times. In preparation for defining the microgravity experiments, the work presented here focuses

Hydroxyapatite-nanotube composites and coatings for orthopedic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lahiri, Debrupa

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has received wide attention in orthopedics, due to its biocompatibility and osseointegration ability. Despite these advantages, the brittle nature and low fracture toughness of HA often results in rapid wear and premature fracture of implant. Hence, there is a need to improve the fracture toughness and wear resistance of HA without compromising its biocompatibility. The aim of the current research is to explore the potential of nanotubes as reinforcement to HA for orthopedic implants. HA- 4 wt.% carbon nanotube (CNT) composites and coatings are synthesized by spark plasma sintering and plasma spraying respectively, and investigated for their mechanical, tribological and biological behavior. CNT reinforcement improves the fracture toughness (>90%) and wear resistance (>66%) of HA for coating and free standing composites. CNTs have demonstrated a positive influence on the proliferation, differentiation and matrix mineralization activities of osteoblasts, during in-vitro biocompatibility studies. In-vivo exposure of HA-CNT coated titanium implant in animal model (rat) shows excellent histocompatibility and neobone integration on the implant surface. The improved osseointegration due to presence of CNTs in HA is quantified by the adhesion strength measurement of single osteoblast using nano-scratch technique. Considering the ongoing debate about cytotoxicity of CNTs in the literature, the present study also suggests boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) as an alternative reinforcement. BNNT with the similar elastic modulus and strength as CNT, were added to HA. The resulting composite having 4 wt.% BNNTs improved the fracture toughness (˜85%) and wear resistance (˜75%) of HA in the similar range as HA-CNT composites. BNNTs were found to be non-cytotoxic for osteoblasts and macrophages. In-vitro evaluation shows positive role of BNNT in osteoblast proliferation and viability. Apatite formability of BNNT surface in ˜4 days establishes its osseointegration

Computational Nanomechanics of Carbon Nanotubes and Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srivastava, Deepak; Wei, Chenyu; Cho, Kyeongjae; Biegel, Bryan (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Nanomechanics of individual carbon and boron-nitride nanotubes and their application as reinforcing fibers in polymer composites has been reviewed with interplay of theoretical modeling, computer simulations and experimental observations. The emphasis in this work is on elucidating the multi-length scales of the problems involved, and of different simulation techniques that are needed to address specific characteristics of individual nanotubes and nanotube polymer-matrix interfaces. Classical molecular dynamics simulations are shown to be sufficient to describe the generic behavior such as strength and stiffness modulus but are inadequate to describe elastic limit and nature of plastic buckling at large strength. Quantum molecular dynamics simulations are shown to bring out explicit atomic nature dependent behavior of these nanoscale materials objects that are not accessible either via continuum mechanics based descriptions or through classical molecular dynamics based simulations. As examples, we discus local plastic collapse of carbon nanotubes under axial compression and anisotropic plastic buckling of boron-nitride nanotubes. Dependence of the yield strain on the strain rate is addressed through temperature dependent simulations, a transition-state-theory based model of the strain as a function of strain rate and simulation temperature is presented, and in all cases extensive comparisons are made with experimental observations. Mechanical properties of nanotube-polymer composite materials are simulated with diverse nanotube-polymer interface structures (with van der Waals interaction). The atomistic mechanisms of the interface toughening for optimal load transfer through recycling, high-thermal expansion and diffusion coefficient composite formation above glass transition temperature, and enhancement of Young's modulus on addition of nanotubes to polymer are discussed and compared with experimental observations.

Spider silk reinforced by graphene or carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lepore, Emiliano; Bosia, Federico; Bonaccorso, Francesco; Bruna, Matteo; Taioli, Simone; Garberoglio, Giovanni; Ferrari, Andrea C.; Pugno, Nicola Maria

2017-09-01

Spider silk has promising mechanical properties, since it conjugates high strength (~1.5 GPa) and toughness (~150 J g-1). Here, we report the production of silk incorporating graphene and carbon nanotubes by spider spinning, after feeding spiders with the corresponding aqueous dispersions. We observe an increment of the mechanical properties with respect to pristine silk, up to a fracture strength ~5.4 GPa and a toughness modulus ~1570 J g-1. This approach could be extended to other biological systems and lead to a new class of artificially modified biological, or ‘bionic’, materials.

Rebar graphene from functionalized boron nitride nanotubes.

PubMed

Li, Yilun; Peng, Zhiwei; Larios, Eduardo; Wang, Gunuk; Lin, Jian; Yan, Zheng; Ruiz-Zepeda, Francisco; José-Yacamán, Miguel; Tour, James M

2015-01-27

The synthesis of rebar graphene on Cu substrates is described using functionalized boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) that were annealed or subjected to chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of graphene. Characterization shows that the BNNTs partially unzip and form a reinforcing bar (rebar) network within the graphene layer that enhances the mechanical strength through covalent bonds. The rebar graphene is transferrable to other substrates without polymer assistance. The optical transmittance and conductivity of the hybrid rebar graphene film was tested, and a field effect transistor was fabricated to explore its electrical properties. This method of synthesizing 2D hybrid graphene/BN structures should enable the hybridization of various 1D nanotube and 2D layered structures with enhanced mechanical properties.

Processes for fabricating composite reinforced material

DOEpatents

Seals, Roland D.; Ripley, Edward B.; Ludtka, Gerard M.

2015-11-24

A family of materials wherein nanostructures and/or nanotubes are incorporated into a multi-component material arrangement, such as a metallic or ceramic alloy or composite/aggregate, producing a new material or metallic/ceramic alloy. The new material has significantly increased strength, up to several thousands of times normal and perhaps substantially more, as well as significantly decreased weight. The new materials may be manufactured into a component where the nanostructure or nanostructure reinforcement is incorporated into the bulk and/or matrix material, or as a coating where the nanostructure or nanostructure reinforcement is incorporated into the coating or surface of a "normal" substrate material. The nanostructures are incorporated into the material structure either randomly or aligned, within grains, or along or across grain boundaries.

There may be Fermi Energy levels in the hollow interiors of Nanotubes that would allow for a type of Quantum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kriske, Richard

2011-04-01

There may be Fermi Energy levels that would allow for easy travel by Atoms, Molecules and Particles, in the hollow interior of Nanotubes. This may result in a Quantum Mechanical explaination of Capillary Action, and it may result in devices could take advantage of the idea that it takes no energy to rise in a Capillary tube, only in leaving it. This no-energy conjecture of Capillarity sounds very much like the idea that Electrons in obitals lose no Energy staying in orbit, only in changing orbits.It is this conjecture that may reveal that a Fermi Energy state is essentially in a weak orbital. This weak orbital could be exploited to store Anti-matter for instance. More profoundly it clearly shows how the Quantum Mechanical states meld smoothly into Classical Physics. It also reveals how extremely efficient Classical Machines could be constructed to take advantage of this spontaneous action. Say a tube could be designed to nudge electrons out of a weak obital in one place, sent down the tube (which is another weak orbital) and deposited in a weak orbital of another very distant Atom, apparently with little or perhaps no work being done, as long as the orbitals are the same energy. This may already exist in some Biological systems. Although more experimentation is needed, this would be the breakthrough that is needed to unify Classical and Quantum Mechanics.

Recent progress in the research of inorganic fullerene-like nanoparticles and inorganic nanotubes.

PubMed

Tenne, Reshef; Redlich, Meir

2010-05-01

Nanoparticles of inorganic compounds with layered (2D) structures, like graphite and MoS(2), were shown to be unstable in the planar from and fold on themselves forming seamless hollow structures like multiwall nanotubes and fullerene-like nanoparticles. The present concise tutorial review reports on the salient developments in this field over the last several years. Numerous applications for such nanophases have been proposed, like solid lubricants, ultra-strong nanocomposites, catalysts, etc.

A facile chemical conversion synthesis of Sb2S3 nanotubes and the visible light-driven photocatalytic activities

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

We report a simple chemical conversion and cation exchange technique to realize the synthesis of Sb2S3 nanotubes at a low temperature of 90°C. The successful chemical conversion from ZnS nanotubes to Sb2S3 ones benefits from the large difference in solubility between ZnS and Sb2S3. The as-grown Sb2S3 nanotubes have been transformed from a weak crystallization to a polycrystalline structure via successive annealing. In addition to the detailed structural, morphological, and optical investigation of the yielded Sb2S3 nanotubes before and after annealing, we have shown high photocatalytic activities of Sb2S3 nanotubes for methyl orange degradation under visible light irradiation. This approach offers an effective control of the composition and structure of Sb2S3 nanomaterials, facilitates the production at a relatively low reaction temperature without the need of organics, templates, or crystal seeds, and can be extended to the synthesis of hollow structures with various compositions and shapes for unique properties. PMID:22448960

Three-dimensional hollow-structured binary oxide particles as an advanced anode material for high-rate and long cycle life lithium-ion batteries

DOE PAGES

Wang, Deli; Wang, Jie; He, Huan; ...

2015-12-30

Transition metal oxides are among the most promising anode candidates for next-generation lithium-ion batteries for their high theoretical capacity. However, the large volume expansion and low lithium ion diffusivity leading to a poor charging/discharging performance. In this study, we developed a surfactant and template-free strategy for the synthesis of a composite of Co xFe 3–xO 4 hollow spheres supported by carbon nanotubes via an impregnation–reduction–oxidation process. The synergy of the composite, as well as the hollow structures in the electrode materials, not only facilitate Li ion and electron transport, but also accommodate large volume expansion. Using state-of-the-art electron tomography, wemore » directly visualize the particles in 3-D, where the voids in the hollow structures serve to buffer the volume expansion of the material. These improvements result in a high reversible capacity as well as an outstanding rate performance for lithium-ion battery applications. As a result, this study sheds light on large-scale production of hollow structured metal oxides for commercial applications in energy storage and conversion.« less

Hollow lensing duct

DOEpatents

Beach, Raymond J.; Honea, Eric C.; Bibeau, Camille; Mitchell, Scott; Lang, John; Maderas, Dennis; Speth, Joel; Payne, Stephen A.

2000-01-01

A hollow lensing duct to condense (intensify) light using a combination of focusing using a spherical or cylindrical lens followed by reflective waveguiding. The hollow duct tapers down from a wide input side to a narrow output side, with the input side consisting of a lens that may be coated with an antireflective coating for more efficient transmission into the duct. The inside surfaces of the hollow lens duct are appropriately coated to be reflective, preventing light from escaping by reflection as it travels along the duct (reflective waveguiding). The hollow duct has various applications for intensifying light, such as in the coupling of diode array pump light to solid state lasing materials.

Dispersion of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes by in situ Polymerization Under Sonication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Cheol; Ounaies, Zoubeida; Watson, Kent A.; Crooks, Roy E.; Smith, Joseph, Jr.; Lowther, Sharon E.; Connell, John W.; Siochi, Emilie J.; Harrison, Joycelyn S.; St.Clair, Terry L.

2002-01-01

Single wall nanotube reinforced polyimide nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization of monomers of interest in the presence of sonication. This process enabled uniform dispersion of single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles in the polymer matrix. The resultant SWNT-polyimide nanocomposite films were electrically conductive (antistatic) and optically transparent with significant conductivity enhancement (10 orders of magnitude) at a very low loading (0.1 vol%). Mechanical properties as well as thermal stability were also improved with the incorporation of the SWNT.

Self-templated fabrication of FeMnO3 nanoparticle-filled polypyrrole nanotubes for peroxidase mimicking with a synergistic effect and their sensitive colorimetric detection of glutathione.

PubMed

Chi, Maoqiang; Chen, Sihui; Zhong, Mengxiao; Wang, Ce; Lu, Xiaofeng

2018-06-05

A self-templated approach has been developed for the preparation of FeMnO3 nanoparticles filled in the hollow core of polypyrrole (PPy) nanotubes by an in situ polymerization process accompanied by the etching of FeMnO3 nanofibers. The prepared FeMnO3@PPy nanotubes exhibited a superior peroxidase-like activity. The catalytic reaction system has been used for the sensitive colorimetric detection of glutathione with a low detection limit and good selectivity.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Mimics of Biological Ion Channels.

PubMed

Amiri, Hasti; Shepard, Kenneth L; Nuckolls, Colin; Hernández Sánchez, Raúl

2017-02-08

Here we report on the ion conductance through individual, small diameter single-walled carbon nanotubes. We find that they are mimics of ion channels found in natural systems. We explore the factors governing the ion selectivity and permeation through single-walled carbon nanotubes by considering an electrostatic mechanism built around a simplified version of the Gouy-Chapman theory. We find that the single-walled carbon nanotubes preferentially transported cations and that the cation permeability is size-dependent. The ionic conductance increases as the absolute hydration enthalpy decreases for monovalent cations with similar solid-state radii, hydrated radii, and bulk mobility. Charge screening experiments using either the addition of cationic or anionic polymers, divalent metal cations, or changes in pH reveal the enormous impact of the negatively charged carboxylates at the entrance of the single-walled carbon nanotubes. These observations were modeled in the low-to-medium concentration range (0.1-2.0 M) by an electrostatic mechanism that mimics the behavior observed in many biological ion channel-forming proteins. Moreover, multi-ion conduction in the high concentration range (>2.0 M) further reinforces the similarity between single-walled carbon nanotubes and protein ion channels.

A Field of Hollows

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-04-01

Mercury's hollows are among its most distinctive -- and unusual -- surface features. In this stunning view, we see a field of hollows in the western portion of the floor of Zeami impact basin. Hollows populate much of the rest of the basin's interior, with large concentrations several kilometers across occurring in the north and northeast parts of the floor. Individual hollows, however, can be as small as a couple of hundred meters in width. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19267

Iridium Oxide Nanotube Electrodes for Highly Sensitive and Prolonged Intracellular Measurement of Action Potentials

PubMed Central

Lin, Ziliang Carter; Xie, Chong; Osakada, Yasuko; Cui, Yi; Cui, Bianxiao

2014-01-01

Intracellular recording of action potentials is important to understand electrically-excitable cells. Recently, vertical nanoelectrodes have been developed to achieve highly sensitive, minimally invasive, and large scale intracellular recording. It has been demonstrated that the vertical geometry is crucial for the enhanced signal detection. Here we develop nanoelectrodes made up of nanotubes of iridium oxide. When cardiomyocytes are cultured upon those nanotubes, the cell membrane not only wraps around the vertical tubes but also protrudes deep into the hollow center. We show that this geometry enhances cell-electrode coupling and results in measuring much larger intracellular action potentials. The nanotube electrodes afford much longer intracellular access and are minimally invasive, making it possible to achieve stable recording up to an hour in a single session and more than 8 days of consecutive daily recording. This study suggests that the electrode performance can be significantly improved by optimizing the electrode geometry. PMID:24487777

Proteomic profiling of halloysite clay nanotube exposure in intestinal cell co-culture

PubMed Central

Lai, Xianyin; Agarwal, Mangilal; Lvov, Yuri M.; Pachpande, Chetan; Varahramyan, Kody; Witzmann, Frank A.

2013-01-01

Halloysite is aluminosilicate clay with a hollow tubular structure with nanoscale internal and external diameters. Assessment of halloysite biocompatibility has gained importance in view of its potential application in oral drug delivery. To investigate the effect of halloysite nanotubes on an in vitro model of the large intestine, Caco-2/HT29-MTX cells in monolayer co-culture were exposed to nanotubes for toxicity tests and proteomic analysis. Results indicate that halloysite exhibits a high degree of biocompatibility characterized by an absence of cytotoxicity, in spite of elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Exposure-specific changes in expression were observed among 4081 proteins analyzed. Bioinformatic analysis of differentially expressed protein profiles suggest that halloysite stimulates processes related to cell growth and proliferation, subtle responses to cell infection, irritation and injury, enhanced antioxidant capability, and an overall adaptive response to exposure. These potentially relevant functional effects warrant further investigation in in vivo models and suggest that chronic or bolus occupational exposure to halloysite nanotubes may have unintended outcomes. PMID:23606564

Proteomic profiling of halloysite clay nanotube exposure in intestinal cell co-culture.

PubMed

Lai, Xianyin; Agarwal, Mangilal; Lvov, Yuri M; Pachpande, Chetan; Varahramyan, Kody; Witzmann, Frank A

2013-11-01

Halloysite is aluminosilicate clay with a hollow tubular structure with nanoscale internal and external diameters. Assessment of halloysite biocompatibility has gained importance in view of its potential application in oral drug delivery. To investigate the effect of halloysite nanotubes on an in vitro model of the large intestine, Caco-2/HT29-MTX cells in monolayer co-culture were exposed to nanotubes for toxicity tests and proteomic analysis. Results indicate that halloysite exhibits a high degree of biocompatibility characterized by an absence of cytotoxicity, in spite of elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Exposure-specific changes in expression were observed among 4081 proteins analyzed. Bioinformatic analysis of differentially expressed protein profiles suggest that halloysite stimulates processes related to cell growth and proliferation, subtle responses to cell infection, irritation and injury, enhanced antioxidant capability, and an overall adaptive response to exposure. These potentially relevant functional effects warrant further investigation in in vivo models and suggest that chronic or bolus occupational exposure to halloysite nanotubes may have unintended outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Flame Synthesis Used to Create Metal-Catalyzed Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanderWal, Randy L.

2001-01-01

Metal-catalyzed carbon nanotubes are highly ordered carbon structures of nanoscale dimensions. They may be thought of as hollow cylinders whose walls are formed by single atomic layers of graphite. Such cylinders may be composed of many nested, concentric atomic layers of carbon or only a single layer, the latter forming a single-walled carbon nanotube. This article reports unique results using a flame for their synthesis. Only recently were carbon nanotubes discovered within an arc discharge and recognized as fullerene derivatives. Today metal-catalyzed carbon nanotubes are of great interest for many reasons. They can be used as supports for the metal catalysts like those found in catalytic converters. Open-ended nanotubes are highly desirable because they can be filled by other elements, metals or gases, for battery and fuel cell applications. Because of their highly crystalline structure, they are significantly stronger than the commercial carbon fibers that are currently available (10 times as strong as steel but possessing one-sixth of the weight). This property makes them highly desirable for strengthening polymer and ceramic composite materials. Current methods of synthesizing carbon nanotubes include thermal pyrolysis of organometallics, laser ablation of metal targets within hydrocarbon atmospheres at high temperatures, and arc discharges. Each of these methods is costly, and it is unclear if they can be scaled for the commercial synthesis of carbon nanotubes. In contrast, flame synthesis is an economical means of bulk synthesis of a variety of aerosol materials such as carbon black. Flame synthesis of carbon nanotubes could potentially realize an economy of scale that would enable their use in common structural materials such as car-body panels. The top figure is a transmission electron micrograph of a multiwalled carbon nanotube. The image shows a cross section of the atomic structure of the nanotube. The dark lines are individual atomic layer planes of

Rebar Graphene from Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanotubes

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The synthesis of rebar graphene on Cu substrates is described using functionalized boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) that were annealed or subjected to chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of graphene. Characterization shows that the BNNTs partially unzip and form a reinforcing bar (rebar) network within the graphene layer that enhances the mechanical strength through covalent bonds. The rebar graphene is transferrable to other substrates without polymer assistance. The optical transmittance and conductivity of the hybrid rebar graphene film was tested, and a field effect transistor was fabricated to explore its electrical properties. This method of synthesizing 2D hybrid graphene/BN structures should enable the hybridization of various 1D nanotube and 2D layered structures with enhanced mechanical properties. PMID:25486451

Copper Silicate Hydrate Hollow Spheres Constructed by Nanotubes Encapsulated in Reduced Graphene Oxide as Long-Life Lithium-Ion Battery Anode.

PubMed

Wei, Xiujuan; Tang, Chunjuan; Wang, Xuanpeng; Zhou, Liang; Wei, Qiulong; Yan, Mengyu; Sheng, Jinzhi; Hu, Ping; Wang, Bolun; Mai, Liqiang

2015-12-09

Hierarchical copper silicate hydrate hollow spheres-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite is successfully fabricated by a facile hydrothermal method using silica as in situ sacrificing template. The electrochemical performance of the composite as lithium-ion battery anode was studied for the first time. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of the hierarchical hollow structure and conductive RGO matrix, the composite exhibits excellent long-life performance and rate capability. A capacity of 890 mAh/g is achieved after 200 cycles at 200 mA/g and a capacity of 429 mAh/g is retained after 800 cycles at 1000 mA/g. The results indicate that the strategy of combining hierarchical hollow structures with conductive RGO holds the potential in addressing the volume expansion issue of high capacity anode materials.

Sequestration of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in a Polymer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bley, Richard A.

2007-01-01

Sequestration of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNs) in a suitably chosen polymer is under investigation as a means of promoting the dissolution of the nanotubes into epoxies. The purpose of this investigation is to make it possible to utilize SWCNs as the reinforcing fibers in strong, lightweight epoxy-matrix/carbon-fiber composite materials. SWCNs are especially attractive for use as reinforcing fibers because of their stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio: Their Young s modulus has been calculated to be 1.2 TPa, their strength has been calculated to be as much as 100 times that of steel, and their mass density is only one-sixth that of steel. Bare SWCNs cannot be incorporated directly into composite materials of the types envisioned because they are not soluble in epoxies. Heretofore, SWCNS have been rendered soluble by chemically attaching various molecular chains to them, but such chemical attachments compromise their structural integrity. In the method now under investigation, carbon nanotubes are sequestered in molecules of poly(m-phenylenevinylene-co-2,5-dioctyloxy-p-phenylenevinylene) [PmPV]. The strength of the carbon nanotubes is preserved because they are not chemically bonded to the PmPV. This method exploits the tendency of PmPV molecules to wrap themselves around carbon nanotubes: the wrapping occurs partly because there exists a favorable interface between the conjugated face of a nanotube and the conjugated backbone of the polymer and partly because of the helical molecular structure of PmPV. The constituents attached to the polymer backbones (the side chains) render the PmPV-wrapped carbon nanotubes PmPV soluble in organic materials that, in turn, could be used to suspend the carbon nanotubes in epoxy precursors. At present, this method is being optimized: The side chains on the currently available form of PmPV are very nonpolar and unable to react with the epoxy resins and/or hardeners; as a consequence, SWCN/PmPV composites have been

Novel Magnetic Zinc Oxide Nanotubes for Phenol Adsorption: Mechanism Modeling

PubMed Central

Elkady, Marwa F.; Hassan, Hassan Shokry; Amer, Wael A.; Salama, Eslam; Algarni, Hamed; Shaaban, Essam Ramadan

2017-01-01

Considering the great impact of a material’s surface area on adsorption processes, hollow nanotube magnetic zinc oxide with a favorable surface area of 78.39 m2/g was fabricated with the assistance of microwave technology in the presence of poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stabilizing agent followed by sonic precipitation of magnetite nano-particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs identified the nanotubes’ morphology in the synthesized material with an average aspect ratio of 3. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the combination of magnetite material with the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO in the prepared material. The immobilization of magnetite nanoparticles on to ZnO was confirmed using vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The sorption affinity of the synthesized magnetic ZnO nanotube for phenolic compounds from aqueous solutions was examined as a function of various processing factors. The degree of acidity of the phenolic solution has great influence on the phenol sorption process on to magnetic ZnO. The calculated value of ΔH0 designated the endothermic nature of the phenol uptake process on to the magnetic ZnO nanotubes. Mathematical modeling indicated a combination of physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms of phenolic compounds on to the fabricated magnetic ZnO nanotubes. The kinetic process correlated better with the second-order rate model compared to the first-order rate model. This result indicates the predominance of the chemical adsorption process of phenol on to magnetic ZnO nanotubes. PMID:29186853

Hollow vortex Gaussian beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, GuoQuan; Cai, YangJian; Dai, ChaoQing

2013-05-01

A kind of hollow vortex Gaussian beam is introduced. Based on the Collins integral, an analytical propagation formula of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam through a paraxial ABCD optical system is derived. Due to the special distribution of the optical field, which is caused by the initial vortex phase, the dark region of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam will not disappear upon propagation. The analytical expressions for the beam propagation factor, the kurtosis parameter, and the orbital angular momentum density of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam passing through a paraxial ABCD optical system are also derived, respectively. The beam propagation factor is determined by the beam order and the topological charge. The kurtosis parameter and the orbital angular momentum density depend on beam order n, topological charge m, parameter γ, and transfer matrix elements A and D. As a numerical example, the propagation properties of a hollow vortex Gaussian beam in free space are demonstrated. The hollow vortex Gaussian beam has eminent propagation stability and has crucial application prospects in optical micromanipulation.

Production of hollow aerogel microspheres

DOEpatents

Upadhye, Ravindra S.; Henning, Sten A.

1993-01-01

A method is described for making hollow aerogel microspheres of 800-1200 .mu. diameter and 100-300 .mu. wall thickness by forming hollow alcogel microspheres during the sol/gel process in a catalytic atmosphere and capturing them on a foam surface containing catalyst. Supercritical drying of the formed hollow alcogel microspheres yields hollow aerogel microspheres which are suitable for ICF targets.

Synthesis of an ultradense forest of vertically aligned triple-walled carbon nanotubes of uniform diameter and length using hollow catalytic nanoparticles.

PubMed

Baliyan, Ankur; Nakajima, Yoshikata; Fukuda, Takahiro; Uchida, Takashi; Hanajiri, Tatsuro; Maekawa, Toru

2014-01-22

It still remains a crucial challenge to actively control carbon nanotube (CNT) structure such as the alignment, area density, diameter, length, chirality, and number of walls. Here, we synthesize an ultradense forest of CNTs of a uniform internal diameter by the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method using hollow nanoparticles (HNPs) modified with ligand as a catalyst. The diameters of the HNPs and internal cavities in the HNPs are uniform. A monolayer of densely packed HNPs is self-assembled on a silicon substrate by spin coating. HNPs shrink via the collapse of the internal cavities and phase transition from iron oxide to metallic iron in hydrogen plasma during the PECVD process. Agglomeration of catalytic NPs is avoided on account of the shrinkage of the NPs and ligand attached to the NPs. Diffusion of NPs into the substrate, which would inactivate the growth of CNTs, is also avoided on account of the ligand. As a result, an ultradense forest of triple-walled CNTs of a uniform internal diameter is successfully synthesized. The area density of the grown CNTs is as high as 0.6 × 10(12) cm(-2). Finally, the activity of the catalytic NPs and the NP/carbon interactions during the growth process of CNTs are investigated and discussed. We believe that the present approach may make a great contribution to the development of an innovative synthetic method for CNTs with selective properties.

A built-in sensor with carbon nanotubes coated by Ag clusters for deformation monitoring of glass fibre/epoxy composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slobodian, P.; Riha, P.; Matyas, J.; Olejnik, R.; Lloret Pertegás, S.; Schledjewski, R.; Kovar, M.

2018-03-01

A multiwalled carbon nanotube network embedded in a polyurethane membrane was integrated into a glass fibre reinforced epoxy composite by means of vacuum infusion to become a part of the composite and has been serving for a strain self-sensing functionality. Besides the pristine nanotubes also nanotubes with Ag nanoparticles attached to their surfaces were used to increase strain sensing. Moreover, the design of the carbon nanotube/polyurethane sensor allowed formation of network micro-sized cracks which increased its reversible electrical resistance resulted in an enhancement of strain sensing. The resistance sensitivity, quantified by a gauge factor, increased more than hundredfold in case of a pre-strained sensor with Ag decorated nanotubes in comparison with the sensor with pristine nanotubes.

Electrical and Self-Sensing Properties of Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete with Carbon Nanotubes

PubMed Central

You, Ilhwan; Yoo, Doo-Yeol; Kim, Soonho; Kim, Min-Jae; Zi, Goangseup

2017-01-01

This study examined the electrical and self-sensing capacities of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) with and without carbon nanotubes (CNTs). For this, the effects of steel fiber content, orientation, and pore water content on the electrical and piezoresistive properties of UHPFRC without CNTs were first evaluated. Then, the effect of CNT content on the self-sensing capacities of UHPFRC under compression and flexure was investigated. Test results indicated that higher steel fiber content, better fiber orientation, and higher amount of pore water led to higher electrical conductivity of UHPFRC. The effects of fiber orientation and drying condition on the electrical conductivity became minor as sufficiently high amount of steel fibers, 3% by volume, was added. Including only steel fibers did not impart UHPFRC with piezoresistive properties. Addition of CNTs substantially improved the electrical conductivity of UHPFRC. Under compression, UHPFRC with a CNT content of 0.3% or greater had a self-sensing ability that was activated by the formation of cracks, and better sensing capacity was achieved by including greater amount of CNTs. Furthermore, the pre-peak flexural behavior of UHPFRC was precisely simulated with a fractional change in resistivity when 0.3% CNTs were incorporated. The pre-cracking self-sensing capacity of UHPFRC with CNTs was more effective under tensile stress state than under compressive stress state. PMID:29109388

Electrical and Self-Sensing Properties of Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete with Carbon Nanotubes.

PubMed

You, Ilhwan; Yoo, Doo-Yeol; Kim, Sooho; Kim, Min-Jae; Zi, Goangseup

2017-10-29

This study examined the electrical and self-sensing capacities of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) with and without carbon nanotubes (CNTs). For this, the effects of steel fiber content, orientation, and pore water content on the electrical and piezoresistive properties of UHPFRC without CNTs were first evaluated. Then, the effect of CNT content on the self-sensing capacities of UHPFRC under compression and flexure was investigated. Test results indicated that higher steel fiber content, better fiber orientation, and higher amount of pore water led to higher electrical conductivity of UHPFRC. The effects of fiber orientation and drying condition on the electrical conductivity became minor as sufficiently high amount of steel fibers, 3% by volume, was added. Including only steel fibers did not impart UHPFRC with piezoresistive properties. Addition of CNTs substantially improved the electrical conductivity of UHPFRC. Under compression, UHPFRC with a CNT content of 0.3% or greater had a self-sensing ability that was activated by the formation of cracks, and better sensing capacity was achieved by including greater amount of CNTs. Furthermore, the pre-peak flexural behavior of UHPFRC was precisely simulated with a fractional change in resistivity when 0.3% CNTs were incorporated. The pre-cracking self-sensing capacity of UHPFRC with CNTs was more effective under tensile stress state than under compressive stress state.

Hollow-Core Fiber Lamp

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yi, Lin (Inventor); Tjoelker, Robert L. (Inventor); Burt, Eric A. (Inventor); Huang, Shouhua (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Hollow-core capillary discharge lamps on the millimeter or sub-millimeter scale are provided. The hollow-core capillary discharge lamps achieve an increased light intensity ratio between 194 millimeters (useful) and 254 millimeters (useless) light than conventional lamps. The capillary discharge lamps may include a cone to increase light output. Hollow-core photonic crystal fiber (HCPCF) may also be used.

Self-Reporting Fiber-Reinforced Composites That Mimic the Ability of Biological Materials to Sense and Report Damage.

PubMed

Rifaie-Graham, Omar; Apebende, Edward A; Bast, Livia K; Bruns, Nico

2018-05-01

Sensing of damage, deformation, and mechanical forces is of vital importance in many applications of fiber-reinforced polymer composites, as it allows the structural health and integrity of composite components to be monitored and microdamage to be detected before it leads to catastrophic material failure. Bioinspired and biomimetic approaches to self-sensing and self-reporting materials are reviewed. Examples include bruising coatings and bleeding composites based on dye-filled microcapsules, hollow fibers, and vascular networks. Force-induced changes in color, fluorescence, or luminescence are achieved by mechanochromic epoxy resins, or by mechanophores and force-responsive proteins located at the interface of glass/carbon fibers and polymers. Composites can also feel strain, stress, and damage through embedded optical and electrical sensors, such as fiber Bragg grating sensors, or by resistance measurements of dispersed carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes. Bioinspired composites with the ability to show autonomously if and where they have been damaged lead to a multitude of opportunities for aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, and wind-turbine applications. They range from safety features for the detection of barely visible impact damage, to the real-time monitoring of deformation of load-bearing components. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Towards thiol functionalization of vanadium pentoxide nanotubes using gold nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lavayen, V.; O'Dwyer, C.; Cardenas, G.

2007-04-12

Template-directed synthesis is a promising route to realize vanadate-based 1-D nanostructures, an example of which is the formation of vanadium pentoxide nanotubes and associated nanostructures. In this work, we report the interchange of long-chained alkyl amines with alkyl thiols. This reaction was followed using gold nanoparticles prepared by the Chemical Liquid Deposition (CLD) method with an average diameter of {approx}0.9nm and a stability of {approx}85 days. V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanotubes (VOx-NTs) with lengths of {approx}2{mu}m and internal hollow diameters of 20-100nm were synthesized and functionalized in a Au-acetone colloid with a nominal concentration of {approx}4x10{sup -3}mol dm{sup -3}. The interchangemore » reaction with dodecylamine is found only to occur in polar solvents and incorporation of the gold nanoparticles is not observed in the presence of n-decane.« less

Retrofit of hollow concrete masonry infilled steel frames using glass fiber reinforced plastic laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hakam, Zeyad Hamed-Ramzy

2000-11-01

This study focuses on the retrofit of hollow concrete masonry infilled steel frames subjected to in-plane lateral loads using glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) laminates that are epoxy-bonded to the exterior faces of the infill walls. An extensive experimental investigation using one-third scale modeling was conducted and consisted of two phases. In the first phase, 64 assemblages, half of which were retrofitted, were tested under various combined in-plane loading conditions similar to those which different regions of a typical infill wall are subjected to. In the second phase, one bare and four masonry-infilled steel frames representative of a typical single-story, single-bay panel were tested under diagonal loading to study the overall behavior and the infill-frame interaction. The relative infill-to-frame stiffness was varied as a test parameter by using two different steel frame sections. The laminates altered the failure modes of the masonry assemblages and reduced the variability and anisotropic nature of the masonry. For the prisms which failed due to shear and/or mortar joint slip, significant strength increases were observed. For those exhibiting compression failure modes, a marginal increase in strength resulted. Retrofitting the infilled frames resulted in an average increase in initial stiffness of two-fold compared to the unretrofitted infilled frames, and seemed independent of the relative infill-to-frame stiffness. However, the increase in the load-carrying capacity of the retrofitted frames compared to the unretrofitted counterparts was higher for those with the larger relative infill-to-frame stiffness parameter. Unlike the unretrofitted infill walls, the retrofitted panels demonstrated almost identical failure modes that were characterized as "strictly comer crushing" in the vicinity of the loaded comers whereas no signs of distress were evident throughout the remainder of the infill. The laminates also maintained the structural integrity of

Multiwall carbon nanotube reinforced teflon fibrils for oil spill clean up and its effective recycling as textile dye sorbent.

PubMed

Padmajan Sasikala, Suchithra; Mahesh, K V; Prabhakaran, Prem; Peer Mohammed, A; Ananthakumar, S

2018-04-01

Surface functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced teflon fibrils (MWCNT@Teflon) were successfully tested as an - oil - absorbent that can be used as a potential oil recovery material at the time of oil spill accidents in water. We found that oleic acid functionalization of MWCNTs was important for their adhesion onto teflon fibrils and at the same time prevented the MWCNT leaching into oil/water interface. The fibrils had displayed superior mechanical and thermal stability and provided a new insight to oil spill clean-up applications with easy recovery of absorbed oil by simple squeezing. Recycling of exhausted MWCNT@Teflon fibrils after oil recovery applications was conducted by pyrolysis under inert atmosphere in presence of magnetic clay. The magnetic clay absorbed the pyrolysis products, resulting in a heterostructured magnetic clay carbon composite (MCC) which was found super paramagnetic and chemically stable in all pH. The MCC was found capable of adsorbing textile dye from water ultra-fast with in a maximum contact time of 2 min and magnetically separable after adsorption experiments. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Carbon Nanotube Composites from Modified Plant Oils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAninch, Ian; Wool, Richard

2006-03-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with their impressive mechanical properties are ideal reinforcement material. Acrylated epoxidized soy oil (AESO) has been previously shown to have favorable interactions with carbon nanotubes. CNTs mixed into AESO, both with and without styrene as a co-monomer, using mechanical shear mixing showed dispersion only on the micron level, resulting in modest mechanical property improvements. Greater improvements were seen, especially in the rubbery modulus, when the resin's viscosity was kept high, either through a reduction of the styrene content, or by curing at a lower temperature. CNTs were also dispersed via sonication in methyl methacrylate. The resulting dispersion was then mixed with AESO. The resulting composites showed better CNT dispersion, with no micron-sized aggregates, as verified using SEM and optical microscopy. The mechanical properties also showed greater improvement.

Fracture resistance and reinforcement of immature roots with gutta percha, mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium phosphate bone cement: a standardized in vitro model.

PubMed

Cauwels, Rita G E C; Pieters, Ilse Y; Martens, Luc C; Verbeeck, Ronald M H

2010-04-01

Endodontic treatment of immature teeth is often complicated because of flaring root canals and open apices for which apexification is needed. Long-term prognosis for these teeth is surprisingly low because of cervical root fractures occurring after an impact of weak forces. In this study, an experimental model was developed to determine the fracture resistance of immature teeth and to test the hypothesis that endodontic materials succeed in reinforcing them. Compact and hollow bone cylinders from bovine femurs were used as standardized samples. In order to evaluate the experimental model, fracture resistance in both groups was evaluated by determining the ultimate force to fracture (UFF) under diametral tensile stress. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a statistically significant difference between the mean values of UFF for both groups, independently of the sampling location or subject. In a following setting, the hypothesis that obturation with gutta percha (GP), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), or calcium phosphate bone cement (CPBC) reinforces the hollow bone samples was investigated. Obturation resulted in a significant reinforcement for all materials, but the degree of reinforcement depended on the material. The experimental model appeared to be suitable for in vitro investigation of reinforcement and fracture resistance in a standardized way.

A study on mechanical properties of PBT nano-composites reinforced with microwave functionalized MWCNTs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deshpande, Revati; Naik, Garima; Chopra, Swamini; Deshmukh, Kavita A.; Deshmukh, Abhay D.; Peshwe, D. R.

2018-04-01

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer with fast crystallization rate; and is extensively used in many automobile applications where it is prone to continuous wear. Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcements are most ideal and promising reinforcement in enhancing mechanical properties of polymers. Owing to strong van der Waals’ interaction between the nanotubes; they tend to aggregate. To overcome this behavior, CNTs are generally functionalized in acid solutions to help stabilize the dispersion and allow interaction with polymer matrix. Thus, the present study focuses on the effect of reinforcing microwave-functionalized CNTs on the mechanical and tribological properties of PBT polymer matrix. The homogenous dispersion of CNTs in PBT matrix was successfully achieved by functionalizing the CNTs. DSC and XRD analysis confirms better crystallization and reduced crystallite size due to improved nucleation. Apart; an increase in the hardness and MFI value was also noted, which again hinted towards improved dispersion. However, the reduction in tensile strength and % elongation indicated embrittlement of the PBT matrix after addition of functionalized CNTs. Furthermore, the peeling and scuffing phenomenon observed for virgin PBT, during sliding wear, was suppressed after CNT addition.

Two-Dimensional Nanostructure- Reinforced Biodegradable Polymeric Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Lalwani, Gaurav; Henslee, Allan M.; Farshid, Behzad; Lin, Liangjun; Kasper, F. Kurtis; Qin, Yi-Xian; Mikos, Antonios G.; Sitharaman, Balaji

2013-01-01

This study investigates the efficacy of two dimensional (2D) carbon and inorganic nanostructures as reinforcing agents of crosslinked composites of the biodegradable and biocompatible polymer polypropylene fumarate (PPF) as a function of nanostructure concentration. PPF composites were reinforced using various 2D nanostructures: single- and multi-walled graphene oxide nanoribbons (SWGONRs, MWGONRs), graphene oxide nanoplatelets (GONPs), and molybdenum di-sulfite nanoplatelets (MSNPs) at 0.01–0.2 weight% concentrations. Cross-linked PPF was used as the baseline control, and PPF composites reinforced with single- or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT, MWCNT) were used as positive controls. Compression and flexural testing show a significant enhancement (i.e., compressive modulus = 35–108%, compressive yield strength = 26–93%, flexural modulus = 15–53%, and flexural yield strength = 101–262% greater than the baseline control) in the mechanical properties of the 2D-reinforced PPF nanocomposites. MSNPs nanocomposites consistently showed the highest values among the experimental or control groups in all the mechanical measurements. In general, the inorganic nanoparticle MSNPs showed a better or equivalent mechanical reinforcement compared to carbon nanomaterials, and 2-D nanostructures (GONP, MSNP) are better reinforcing agents compared to 1-D nanostructures (e.g. SWCNTs). The results also indicate that the extent of mechanical reinforcement is closely dependent on the nanostructure morphology and follows the trend nanoplatelets > nanoribbons > nanotubes. Transmission electron microscopy of the cross-linked nanocomposites indicates good dispersion of nanomaterials in the polymer matrix without the use of a surfactant. The sol-fraction analysis showed significant changes in the polymer cross-linking in the presence of MSNP (0.01–0.2 wt %) and higher loading concentrations of GONP and MWGONR (0.1–0.2 wt%). The analysis of surface area and aspect ratio of

A study on the crushing behavior of basalt fiber reinforced composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandian, A.; Veerasimman, A. P.; Vairavan, M.; Francisco, C.; Sultan, M. T. H.

2016-10-01

The crushing behavior and energy absorption capacity of basalt fiber reinforced hollow square structure composites are studied under axial compression. Using the hand layup technique, basalt fiber reinforced composites were fabricated using general purpose (GP) polyester resin with the help of wooden square shaped mould of varying height (100 mm, 150 mm and 200 mm). For comparison, similar specimens of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites were also fabricated and tested. Axial compression load is applied over the top end of the specimen with cross head speed as 2 mm/min using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). From the experimental results, the load-deformation characteristics of both glass fiber and basalt fiber composites were investigated. Crashworthiness and mode of collapse for the composites were determined from load-deformation curve, and they were then compared to each other in terms of their crushing behaviors.

CNF Re-Inforced Polymer Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lake, Max L.; Tibbetts, Gary G.; Glasgow, D. Gerald

2004-09-01

In properties of physical size, performance improvement, and production cost, carbon nanofiber (CNF) lies in a spectrum of materials bounded by carbon black, fullerenes, and single wall to multi-wall carbon nanotubes on one end and continuous carbon fiber on the other. Results show promise for use of CNF for modified electrical conductivity of polymer composites. Current compounding efforts focus on techniques for nanofiber dispersion designed to retain nanofiber length, including de-bulking methods and low shear melt processing. Heat treatment of CNF as a postproduction process has also been evaluated for its influence on electrical properties of CNF-reinforced polymer composites.

Finite element analysis of stress transfer mechanism from matrix to the fiber in SWCN reinforced nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Günay, E.

2017-02-01

This study defined as micromechanical finite element (FE) approach examining the stress transfer mechanism in single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCN) reinforced composites. In the modeling, 3D unit-cell method was evaluated. Carbon nanotube reinforced composites were modeled as three layers which comprises CNT, interface and matrix material. Firstly; matrix, fiber and interfacial materials all together considered as three layered cylindrical nanocomposite. Secondly, the cylindrical matrix material was assumed to be isotropic and also considered as a continuous medium. Then, fiber material was represented with zigzag type SWCNs. Finally, SWCN was combined with the elastic medium by using springs with different constants. In the FE modeling of SWCN reinforced composite model springs were modeled by using ANSYS spring damper element COMBIN14. The developed interfacial van der Waals interaction effects between the continuous matrix layer and the carbon nanotube fiber layer were simulated by applying these various spring stiffness values. In this study, the layered composite cylindrical FE model was presented as the equivalent mechanical properties of SWCN structures in terms of Young's modulus. The obtained results and literature values were presented and discussed. Figures, 16, 17, and 18 of the original article PDF file, as supplied to AIP Publishing, were affected by a PDF-processing error. Consequently, a solid diamond symbol appeared instead of a Greek tau on the y axis labels for these three figures. This article was updated on 17 March 2017 to correct the PDF-processing error, with the scientific content remaining unchanged.

Halloysite Nanotubes: Controlled Access and Release by Smart Gates.

PubMed

Cavallaro, Giuseppe; Danilushkina, Anna A; Evtugyn, Vladimir G; Lazzara, Giuseppe; Milioto, Stefana; Parisi, Filippo; Rozhina, Elvira V; Fakhrullin, Rawil F

2017-07-28

Hollow halloysite nanotubes have been used as nanocontainers for loading and for the triggered release of calcium hydroxide for paper preservation. A strategy for placing end-stoppers into the tubular nanocontainer is proposed and the sustained release from the cavity is reported. The incorporation of Ca(OH)₂ into the nanotube lumen, as demonstrated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping, retards the carbonatation, delaying the reaction with CO₂ gas. This effect can be further controlled by placing the end-stoppers. The obtained material is tested for paper deacidification. We prove that adding halloysite filled with Ca(OH)₂ to paper can reduce the impact of acid exposure on both the mechanical performance and pH alteration. The end-stoppers have a double effect: they preserve the calcium hydroxide from carbonation, and they prevent from the formation of highly basic pH and trigger the response to acid exposure minimizing the pH drop-down. These features are promising for a composite nanoadditive in the smart protection of cellulose-based materials.

Boron Nitride Nanotubes and Nanoplatelets as Reinforcing Agents of Polymeric Matrices for Bone Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Farshid, Behzad; Lalwani, Gaurav; Mohammadi, Meisam Shir; Simonsen, John; Sitharaman, Balaji

2016-01-01

This study investigates the mechanical properties and in vitro cytotoxicity of one- and two-dimensional boron nitride nanomaterials-reinforced biodegradable polymeric nanocomposites. Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) nanocomposites were fabricated using crosslinking agent N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) and inorganic nanomaterials: boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNPs) dispersed at 0.2 wt.% in the polymeric matrix. The incorporation of BNNPs and BNNTs resulted in a ~38% and ~15% increase in compressive (young's) modulus, and ~31% and ~6% increase in compressive yield strength compared to PPF control, respectively. The nanocomposites showed a time-dependent increased protein adsorption for only collagen-I protein. The cytotoxicity evaluation of aqueous BNNT and BNNP dispersions (at 1-100 μg/mL concentrations) using a representative murine MC3T3 preosteoblast cell line showed cytocompatibility of BNNTs and BNNPs (~73-99% viability). The cytotoxicity evaluation of media extracts of nanocomposites prior to crosslinking, after crosslinking and upon degradation (using 1X-100X dilutions) showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity responses. Crosslinked nanocomposites showed excellent (~79-100%) cell viability, cellular attachment (~57-67%), and spreading similar to cells grown on the surface of tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) control. The media extracts of degradation products showed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The favorable cytocompatibility results in combination with improved mechanical properties of BNNT and BNNP nanocomposites opens new avenues for further in vitro and in vivo safety and efficacy studies for their bone tissue engineering applications. PMID:26526153

Effects of vacancy defects on the interfacial shear strength of carbon nanotube reinforced polymer composite.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Sanjib Chandra; Okabe, Tomonaga; Nishikawa, Masaaki

2010-02-01

We investigate the effects of the vacancy defects (i.e., missing atoms) in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the interfacial shear strength (ISS) of the CNT-polyethylene composite with the molecular dynamics simulation. In the simulation, the crystalline polyethylene matrix is set up in a hexagonal array with the polymer chains parallel to the CNT axis. Vacancy defects in the CNT are introduced by removing the corresponding atoms from the pristine CNT (i.e., CNT without any defect). Three patterns of vacancy defects with three different sizes are considered. Two types of interfaces, with and without cross-links between the CNT and the matrix are also considered here. Polyethylene chains are used as cross-links between the CNT and the matrix. The Brenner potential is used for the carbon-carbon interaction in the CNT, while the polymer is modeled by a united-atom potential. The nonbonded van der Waals interaction between the CNT and the polymer matrix and within the polymer matrix itself is modeled with the Lennard-Jones potential. To determine the ISS, we conduct the CNT pull-out from the polymer matrix and the ISS has been estimated with the change of total potential energy of the CNT-polymer system. The simulation results reveal that the vacancy defects significantly influence the ISS. Moreover, the simulation clarifies that CNT breakage occurs during the pull-out process for large size vacancy defect which ultimately reduces the reinforcement.

Structural Evolution of Silicon Oxynitride Fiber Reinforced Boron Nitride Matrix Composite at High Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Chunrong; Li, Bin; Zhang, Changrui; Wang, Siqing; Xie, Zhengfang; Shao, Changwei

2016-02-01

The structural evolution of a silicon oxynitride fiber reinforced boron nitride matrix (Si-N-Of/BN) wave-transparent composite at high temperatures was investigated. When heat treated at 1600 °C, the composite retained a favorable bending strength of 55.3 MPa while partially crystallizing to Si2N2O and h-BN from the as-received amorphous structure. The Si-N-O fibers still performed as effective reinforcements despite the presence of small pores due to fiber decomposition. Upon heat treatment at 1800 °C, the Si-N-O fibers already lost their reinforcing function and rough hollow microstructure formed within the fibers because of the accelerated decomposition. Further heating to 2000 °C led to the complete decomposition of the reinforcing fibers and only h-BN particles survived. The crystallization and decomposition behaviors of the composite at high temperatures are discussed.

Three-dimensional SnO2@TiO2 double-shell nanotubes on carbon cloth as a flexible anode for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haifeng; Ren, Weina; Cheng, Chuanwei

2015-07-01

In this study, three-dimensional SnO2@TiO2 double-shell nanotubes on carbon cloth are synthesized by a combination of the hydrothermal method for ZnO nanorods and a subsequent SnO2 and TiO2 thin film coating with atomic layer deposition (ALD). The as-prepared SnO2@TiO2 double-shell nanotubes are further tested as a flexible anode for Li ion batteries. The SnO2@TiO2 double-shell nanotubes/carbon cloth electrode exhibited a high initial discharge capacity (e.g. 778.8 mA h g-1 at a high current density of 780 mA g-1) and good cycling performance, which could be attributed to the 3D double-layer nanotube structure. The interior space of the stable TiO2 hollow tube can accommodate the large internal stress caused by volume expansion of SnO2 and protect SnO2 from pulverization and exfoliation.

Hollow Retroreflectors Offer Solid Benefits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

A technician who lead a successful team of scientists, engineers, and other technicians in the design, fabrication, and characterization of cryogenic retroreflectors for the NASA Cassini/Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) mission to Saturn, developed a hollow retroreflector technology while working at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. With 16 years of NASA experience, the technician teamed up with another NASA colleague and formed PROSystems, Inc., of Sharpsburg, Maryland, to provide the optics community with an alternative source for precision hollow retroreflectors. The company's hollow retroreflectors are front surface glass substrates assembled to provide many advantages over existing hollow retroreflectors and solid glass retroreflectors. Previous to this new technology, some companies chose not to use hollow retroreflectors due to large seam widths and loss of signal. The "tongue and groove" facet design of PROSystems's retroreflector allows for an extremely small seam width of .001 inches. Feedback from users is very positive regarding this characteristic. Most of PROSystems's primary customers mount the hollow retroreflectors in chrome steel balls for laser tracker targets in applications such as automobile manufacturing and spacecraft assembly.

Hot hollow cathode gun assembly

DOEpatents

Zeren, J.D.

1983-11-22

A hot hollow cathode deposition gun assembly includes a hollow body having a cylindrical outer surface and an end plate for holding an adjustable heat sink, the hot hollow cathode gun, two magnets for steering the plasma from the gun into a crucible on the heat sink, and a shutter for selectively covering and uncovering the crucible.

Experimental Study and Numerical Modelling of Low Velocity Impact on Laminated Composite Reinforced with Thin Film Made of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Moumen, A.; Tarfaoui, M.; Hassoon, O.; Lafdi, K.; Benyahia, H.; Nachtane, M.

2018-04-01

In this work, polymer laminated composites based on Epon 862 Epoxy resin, T300 6 k carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were tested with the aim to elucidate the effect of CNTs on impact properties including impact force and capacity to absorb impact energy. The polymer matrix was reinforced by a random distribution of CNTs with fraction ranging from 0.5 to 4.wt%. Composite panels were manufactured by using the infusion process. Taylor impact test was used to obtain the impact response of specimens. Projectile manufactured from a high strength and hardened steel with a diameter of 20 mm and 1.5 kg of mass was launched by a compressed gas gun within the velocity of 3 m/s. Impact force histories and absorbed energy of specimens were recorded. A numerical model was employed to simulate the impact performance. This model has been accomplished by forming a user established subroutine (VUMAT) and executing it in ABAQUS software. Finally, the effect of CNTs amount on dynamic properties of laminated composites was discussed.

A binder-free NiCo2O4 nanosheet/3D elastic N-doped hollow carbon nanotube sponge electrode with high volumetric and gravimetric capacitances for asymmetric supercapacitors.

PubMed

Tong, Hao; Yue, Shihong; Lu, Liang; Jin, Fengqiao; Han, Qiwei; Zhang, Xiaogang; Liu, Jie

2017-11-09

To increase the volumetric and gravimetric capacitances of supercapacitors, a new class of electrode materials with high electrochemical activity and favorable structures is extremely desired. In this work, a hollow novel nitrogen-doped 3D elastic single-walled carbon nanotube sponge (NSCS) which is ultra lightweight with the lowest density of 0.8 mg cm -3 , and has a high open surface structure for electrolyte accessibility and excellent compressible properties as the electrode scaffold has been successfully fabricated by the pyrolysis method which could produce the carbon nanotube sponge easily on a large scale without high-cost and time-consuming processes. Moreover, a NiCo 2 O 4 nanosheet supported on the NSCS has been successfully fabricated. The highest volumetric and gravimetric capacitance of this electrode is 790 F cm -3 at 1.43 g cm -3 and 1618 F g -1 at 0.54 g cm -3 with excellent cycling stability. The density of NiCo 2 O 4 /NSCS electrode was adjusted by mechanical compression and the most favorable density of the film for both high volumetric and gravimetric capacitances obtained was 1.21 g cm -3 . The thick NiCo 2 O 4 /NSCS film of 72 μm has been fabricated at this favorable density, presenting both high volumetric and gravimetric capacitances of 597 F cm -3 and 1074 F g -1 at 1 A g -1 , respectively, indicating that the structure of the NSCS is extremely feasible for obtaining a thick film electrode with excellent volumetric and gravimetric capacitances. Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor of NiCo 2 O 4 /NSCS//NGN/CNTs was fabricated, exhibiting a high gravimetric energy density of 47.65 W h kg -1 at 536 W kg -1 and a volumetric energy density of 33.44 W h L -1 at 376.16 W L -1 .

Nanostructured Composites: Effective Mechanical Property Determination of Nanotube Bundles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saether, E.; Pipes, R. B.; Frankland, S. J. V.

2002-01-01

Carbon nanotubes naturally tend to form crystals in the form of hexagonally packed bundles or ropes that should exhibit a transversely isotropic constitutive behavior. Although the intratube axial stiffness is on the order of 1 TPa due to a strong network of delocalized bonds, the intertube cohesive strength is orders of magnitude less controlled by weak, nonbonding van der Waals interactions. An accurate determination of the effective mechanical properties of nanotube bundles is important to assess potential structural applications such as reinforcement in future composite material systems. A direct method for calculating effective material constants is developed in the present study. The Lennard-Jones potential is used to model the nonbonding cohesive forces. A complete set of transverse moduli are obtained and compared with existing data.

Fabrication and Characterization of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) and Ni-Coated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (Ni-MWCNT) Repair Patches for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Brienne; Caraccio, Anne; Tate, LaNetra; Jackson, Dionne

2011-01-01

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/epoxy and nickel-coated multi-walled carbon nanotube (Ni-MWCNT)/epoxy systems were fabricated into carbon fiber composite repair patches via vacuum resin infusion. Two 4 ply patches were manufactured with fiber orientations of [90/ 90/ 4590] and [0/90/ +45/ -45]. Prior to resin infusion, the MWCNT/Epoxy system and NiMWCNT/ epoxy systems were optimized for dispersion quality. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) were used to determine the presence ofcarbon nanotubes and assess dispersion quality. Decomposition temperatures were determined via thermogravametric analysis (TGA). SEM and TGA were also used to evaluate the composite repair patches.

Insight in the 3D morphology of silica-based nanotubes using electron microscopy.

PubMed

Dennenwaldt, Teresa; Wisnet, Andreas; Sedlmaier, Stefan J; Döblinger, Markus; Schnick, Wolfgang; Scheu, Christina

2016-11-01

Amorphous silica-based nanotubes (SBNTs) were synthesized from phosphoryl triamide, OP(NH 2 ) 3 , thiophosphoryl triamide, SP(NH 2 ) 3 , and silicon tetrachloride, SiCl 4 , at different temperatures and with varying amount of the starting material SiCl 4 using a recently developed template-free synthesis approach. Diameter and length of the SBNTs are tunable by varying the synthesis parameters. The 3D mesocrystals of the SBNTs were analyzed with focused ion beam sectioning and electron tomography in the transmission electron microscope showing the hollow tubular structure of the SBNTs. The reconstruction of a small SBNT assembly was achieved from a high-angle annular-dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy tilt series containing only thirteen images allowing analyzing beam sensitive material without altering the structure. The reconstruction revealed that the individual nanotubes are forming an interconnected array with an open channel structure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study on Transverse Load Distribution of Hinged Hollow Beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Weiyue; Zhang, Chao; Wan, Shui

2017-11-01

The bridge is a kind of space structure, when the car load on a part of the bridge, the impact of its load will be transmitted to the surrounding. In this paper, the hinge plate method is used to calculate and analyze the simply supported hollow slab of a certain arch bridge. Considering the hinge plate mounting method is suitable for pouring concrete bridge connecting the longitudinal tongue and groove joints, horizontal beams fabricated separate beam only in the middle between the free flaps or reinforced with steel connection. Therefore, the transverse analysis and calculation of the superstructure of box girder are carried out by using hinge plate method. And mechanical analysis of the transverse beam with finite element software MIDAS Civil grillage method.

Molecular Origin of the Self-Assembly of Lanreotide into Nanotubes: A Mutational Approach☆

PubMed Central

Valéry, Céline; Pouget, Emilie; Pandit, Anjali; Verbavatz, Jean-Marc; Bordes, Luc; Boisdé, Isabelle; Cherif-Cheikh, Roland; Artzner, Franck; Paternostre, Maité

2008-01-01

Lanreotide, a synthetic, therapeutic octapeptide analog of somatostatin, self-assembles in water into perfectly hollow and monodisperse (24-nm wide) nanotubes. Lanreotide is a cyclic octapeptide that contains three aromatic residues. The molecular packing of the peptide in the walls of a nanotube has recently been characterized, indicating four hierarchical levels of organization. This is a fascinating example of spontaneous self-organization, very similar to the formation of the gas vesicle walls of Halobacterium halobium. However, this unique peptide self-assembly raises important questions about its molecular origin. We adopted a directed mutation approach to determine the molecular parameters driving the formation of such a remarkable peptide architecture. We have modified the conformation by opening the cycle and by changing the conformation of a Lys residue, and we have also mutated the aromatic side chains of the peptide. We show that three parameters are essential for the formation of lanreotide nanotubes: i), the specificity of two of the three aromatic side chains, ii), the spatial arrangement of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic residues, and iii), the aromatic side chain in the β-turn of the molecule. When these molecular characteristics are modified, either the peptides lose their self-assembling capability or they form less-ordered architectures, such as amyloid fibers and curved lamellae. Thus we have determined key elements of the molecular origins of lanreotide nanotube formation. PMID:17993497

Morphology inherence from hollow MOFs to hollow carbon polyhedrons in preparing carbon-based electrocatalysts

DOE PAGES

Pei, Yuchen; Qi, Zhiyuan; Li, Xinle; ...

2017-02-21

Hollow carbon nanostructures are emerging as advanced electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to the effective usage of active sites and the reduced dependence on expensive noble metals. Conventional preparation of these hollow structures is achieved through templates (e.g. SiO 2, CdS, and Ni 3C), which serve to retain the void interiors during carbonization, leading to an essential template-removal procedure using hazardous chemical etchants. Herein, we demonstrate the direct carbonization of unique hollow zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) for the synthesis of hollow carbon polyhedrons (HCPs) with well-defined morphologies. The hollow ZIF particles behave bi-functionally as a carbon sourcemore » and a morphology directing agent. This method evidences the strong morphology inherence from the hollow ZIFs during the carbonization, advancing the significant simplicity and environmental friendliness of this synthesis strategy. The as-prepared HCPs show a uniform polyhedral morphology and large void interiors, which enable their superior ORR activity. Iron can be doped into the HCPs (Fe/HCPs), providing the Fe/HCPs with enhanced ORR properties ( E 1/2 = 0.850 V) in comparison with those of HCPs. As a result, we highlight the efficient structural engineering to transform ZIFs into advanced carbon nanostructures accomplishing morphological control and high electrocatalytic activity.« less

Morphology inherence from hollow MOFs to hollow carbon polyhedrons in preparing carbon-based electrocatalysts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pei, Yuchen; Qi, Zhiyuan; Li, Xinle

Hollow carbon nanostructures are emerging as advanced electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) due to the effective usage of active sites and the reduced dependence on expensive noble metals. Conventional preparation of these hollow structures is achieved through templates (e.g. SiO 2, CdS, and Ni 3C), which serve to retain the void interiors during carbonization, leading to an essential template-removal procedure using hazardous chemical etchants. Herein, we demonstrate the direct carbonization of unique hollow zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) for the synthesis of hollow carbon polyhedrons (HCPs) with well-defined morphologies. The hollow ZIF particles behave bi-functionally as a carbon sourcemore » and a morphology directing agent. This method evidences the strong morphology inherence from the hollow ZIFs during the carbonization, advancing the significant simplicity and environmental friendliness of this synthesis strategy. The as-prepared HCPs show a uniform polyhedral morphology and large void interiors, which enable their superior ORR activity. Iron can be doped into the HCPs (Fe/HCPs), providing the Fe/HCPs with enhanced ORR properties ( E 1/2 = 0.850 V) in comparison with those of HCPs. As a result, we highlight the efficient structural engineering to transform ZIFs into advanced carbon nanostructures accomplishing morphological control and high electrocatalytic activity.« less

Mesoporous Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 nanotubes for high-performance cathodes in Li-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Dingtao; Li, Yongliang; Zhang, Peixin; Cooper, Adam J.; Abdelkader, Amr M.; Ren, Xiangzhong; Deng, Libo

2016-04-01

One-dimensional nanotubes constructed from interconnected Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 secondary particles of diameters measuring ca. 40 nm, were synthesized by a one-pot electrospinning method. Novel electrodes were constructed from (a) nanoparticles only, and (b) hollow nanofibres, and employed as cathodes in Li-ion batteries. The nanotube cathode exhibited impressive specific charge capacity, good cycling stability, and excellent rate capability. A discharge capacity of 140 mAh g-1 with capacity retention of 89% at 3 C was achieved after 300 cycles. The significant improvement of electrochemical performance is attributed to the high surface area of the nanotubes, well-guided charge transfer kinetics with short ionic diffusion pathways, and large effective contact area with the electrolyte during the cycling process.

Carbon nanotube-ceramic nanocomposites: Synthesis and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Michael David

Ceramic materials are widely used in modern society for a variety of applications including fuel cell electrolytes, bio-medical implants, and jet turbines. However, ceramics are inherently brittle making them excellent candidates for mechanical reinforcement. In this work, the feasibility of dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes into a silicon carbide matrix for mechanical property enhancement is explored. Prior to dispersing, nanotubes were purified using an optimized, three step methodology that incorporates oxidative treatment, acid sonication, and thermal annealing rendering near-superhydrophobic behavior in synthesized thin films. Alkyl functionalized nanotube dispersability was characterized in various solvents. Dispersability was contingent on fostering polar interactions between the functionalized nanotubes and solvent despite the purely dispersive nature of the aliphatic chains. Interpretation of these results yielded values of 45.6 +/- 1.2, 0.78 +/- 0.04, and 2 4 +/- 0.9 mJ/m2 for the Lifshitz-van der Waals, electron acceptor and electron donor surface energy components respectively. Aqueous nanotube dispersions were prepared using a number of surfactants to examine surfactant concentration and pH effects on nanotube dispersability. Increasing surfactant concentrations resulted in a solubility plateau, which was independent of the surfactant's critical micelle concentration. Deviations from neutral pH demonstrated negligible influence on non-ionic surfactant adsorption while, ionic surfactants showed substantial pH dependent behavior. These results were explained in the context of nanotube surface ionization and Debye length variation. Successful MWNT dispersion into a silicon carbide based matrix is reported by in-situ ceramic formation using two routes; sol-gel chemistry and pre-ceramic polymeric precursor workup. For the former, nanotube dispersion was assisted by PluronicRTM surfactants. Pyrolytic treatment and consolidation of formed powders

Manganese phytate dotted polyaniline shell enwrapped carbon nanotube: Towards the reinforcements in fire safety and mechanical property of polymer.

PubMed

Wang, Junling; Zhan, Jing; Mu, Xiaowei; Jin, Xin; Chu, Fukai; Kan, Yongchun; Xing, Weiyi

2018-06-19

High fire hazard of epoxy resin (EP) has been an unavoidable obstruction on its wide application. Here, a manganese phytate dotted polyaniline shell enwrapped carbon nanotube (MPCNT) is facilely constructed and employed as flame retardant for EP. By adding 4.0 wt% MPCNT, the peak heat release rate, total heat release values, peak CO yields and total CO yields are decreased by 27.2, 12.3, 44.8, and 23.3%, respectively. The decreased absorbance intensity of toxic aromatic volatiles is also observed. Then, a tripartite cooperative flame retardant mechanism (a continuous barrier network, catalytic charring function of phytate, and catalytic activity of MnP/C system) is proposed. Furthermore, the storage modulus of EP composites with 2.0 and 4.0 wt% MPCNT are increased by 23.0 and 25.8% at 40 °C, respectively. Thus, the simultaneous reinforcements in fire safety and mechanical performance of EP are successfully achieved. This work may represent a significant step forward in the facile construction of functionalized carbon materials for achieving their whole potentials in polymer-matrix composite. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Synthesis and characterization of RuO(2)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) composite nanotubes for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Liu, Ran; Duay, Jonathon; Lane, Timothy; Bok Lee, Sang

2010-05-07

We report the synthesis of composite RuO(2)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanotubes with high specific capacitance and fast charging/discharging capability as well as their potential application as electrode materials for a high-energy and high-power supercapacitor. RuO(2)/PEDOT nanotubes were synthesized in a porous alumina membrane by a step-wise electrochemical deposition method, and their structures were characterized using electron microscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was used to qualitatively characterize the capacitive properties of the composite RuO(2)/PEDOT nanotubes. Their specific capacitance, energy density and power density were evaluated by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles at various current densities. The pseudocapacitance behavior of these composite nanotubes originates from ion diffusion during the simultaneous and parallel redox processes of RuO(2) and PEDOT. We show that the energy density (specific capacitance) of PEDOT nanotubes can be remarkably enhanced by electrodepositing RuO(2) into their porous walls and onto their rough internal surfaces. The flexible PEDOT prevents the RuO(2) from breaking and detaching from the current collector while the rigid RuO(2) keeps the PEDOT nanotubes from collapsing and aggregating. The composite RuO(2)/PEDOT nanotube can reach a high power density of 20 kW kg(-1) while maintaining 80% energy density (28 Wh kg(-1)) of its maximum value. This high power capability is attributed to the fast charge/discharge of nanotubular structures: hollow nanotubes allow counter-ions to readily penetrate into the composite material and access their internal surfaces, while a thin wall provides a short diffusion distance to facilitate ion transport. The high energy density originates from the RuO(2), which can store high electrical/electrochemical energy intrinsically. The high specific capacitance (1217 F g(-1)) which is contributed by the RuO(2) in the composite RuO(2)/PEDOT nanotube is realized because of the high

Acoustic Properties of Polyurethane Composition Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes and Silicon Oxide Nano-powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orfali, Wasim A.

This article demonstrates the acoustic properties of added small amount of carbon-nanotube and siliconoxide nano powder (S-type, P-Type) to the host material polyurethane composition. By adding CNT and/or nano-silica in the form of powder at different concentrations up to 2% within the PU composition to improve the sound absorption were investigated in the frequency range up to 1600 Hz. Sound transmission loss measurement of the samples were determined using large impedance tube. The tests showed that addition of 0.2 wt.% Silicon Oxide Nano-powder and 0.35 wt.% carbon nanotube to polyurethane composition improved sound transmissions loss (Sound Absorption) up to 80 dB than that of pure polyurethane foam sample.

Spectroscopic study of nitrogen distribution in N-doped carbon nanotubes and nanofibers synthesized by catalytic ethylene-ammonia decomposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svintsitskiy, Dmitry A.; Kibis, Lidiya S.; Smirnov, Dmitry A.; Suboch, Arina N.; Stonkus, Olga A.; Podyacheva, Olga Yu.; Boronin, Andrei I.; Ismagilov, Zinfer R.

2018-03-01

Carbon and nitrogen species on the surface of carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) and nanofibers (N-CNFs) were studied by X-ray absorption (XAS) and photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) including the analysis of nitrogen distribution over the depth of materials. The study was performed with a series of bamboo-like carbon nanotubes and nanofibers having the platelet-like and herringbone-like morphology. It was shown that the main nitrogen species in the composition of the studied materials are pyridine, pyrrole (and/or amino groups), graphite-like and oxidized states of nitrogen. In distinction to nanofibers, the bamboo-like nanotubes additionally contain molecular nitrogen encapsulated in the internal hollows. Spectral data for different depths of analysis were obtained by varying the energy of incident radiation. Such an approach revealed that N-CNTs are characterized by non-uniform distribution of chemically bound nitrogen species. Thus, nitrogen enrichment was observed on the external surface and in the internal arches of carbon nanotubes. Nitrogen enrichment in the subsurface region was found for N-CNFs, whereas the full depth analysis of N-distribution was limited by a large diameter of nanofibers.

Naïve Chicks Prefer Hollow Objects

PubMed Central

Schill, Jana; Nencini, Andrea Maria; Vallortigara, Giorgio

2016-01-01

Biological predispositions influence approach and avoid responses from the time of birth or hatching. Neonates of species that require parental care (e.g. human babies and chicks of the domestic fowl) are attracted by stimuli associated with animate social partners, such as face-like configurations, biological motion and self-propulsion. The property of being filled is used as a cue of animacy by 8-month-old human infants but it is not known whether this reflects the effect of previous experience. We used chicks of the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) to investigate whether the property of being filled vs. hollow elicits spontaneous or learned preferences. To this aim we tested preferences of naïve and imprinted chicks for hollow and closed cylinders. Contrary to our expectations, we documented an unlearned attraction for hollow stimuli. The preference for hollow stimuli decreased when chicks were imprinted on filled stimuli but did not increase when chicks were imprinted on hollow stimuli, suggesting that hollowness is not crucial to determine affiliative responses for imprinting objects. When chicks were imprinted on occluded stimuli that could be either filled or hollow, the preference for hollow stimuli emerged again, showing that imprinting does not disrupt the spontaneous preference for hollow objects. Further experiments revealed that hollow objects were mainly attractive by means of depth cues such as darker innards, more than as places to hide or as objects with high contrast. Our findings point to predisposed preferences for hollow objects, and suggest that early predispositions might be driven by factors different from animacy cues. PMID:27851773

Boron nitride nanotubes and nanoplatelets as reinforcing agents of polymeric matrices for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Farshid, Behzad; Lalwani, Gaurav; Shir Mohammadi, Meisam; Simonsen, John; Sitharaman, Balaji

2017-02-01

This study investigates the mechanical properties and in vitro cytotoxicity of one- and two-dimensional boron nitride nanomaterials-reinforced biodegradable polymeric nanocomposites. Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) nanocomposites were fabricated using crosslinking agent N-vinyl pyrrolidone and inorganic nanomaterials: boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNPs) dispersed at 0.2 wt % in the polymeric matrix. The incorporation of BNNPs and BNNTs resulted in a ∼38 and ∼15% increase in compressive (Young's) modulus, and ∼31 and ∼6% increase in compressive yield strength compared to PPF control, respectively. The nanocomposites showed a time-dependent increased protein adsorption for collagen I protein. The cytotoxicity evaluation of aqueous BNNT and BNNP dispersions (at 1-100 μg/mL concentrations) using murine MC3T3 preosteoblast cells showed ∼73-99% viability. The cytotoxicity evaluation of media extracts of nanocomposites before crosslinking, after crosslinking, and upon degradation (using 1×-100× dilutions) showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity responses. Crosslinked nanocomposites showed excellent (∼79-100%) cell viability, cellular attachment (∼57-67%), and spreading similar to cells grown on the surface of tissue culture polystyrene control. The media extracts of degradation products showed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity. The favorable cytocompatibility results in combination with improved mechanical properties of BNNT and BNNP nanocomposites opens new avenues for further in vitro and in vivo safety and efficacy studies towards bone tissue engineering applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 406-419, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Recent Developments in Carbon Nanotube Membranes for Water Purification and Gas Separation

PubMed Central

Sears, Kallista; Dumée, Ludovic; Schütz, Jürg; She, Mary; Huynh, Chi; Hawkins, Stephen; Duke, Mikel; Gray, Stephen

2010-01-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanoscale cylinders of graphene with exceptional properties such as high mechanical strength, high aspect ratio and large specific surface area. To exploit these properties for membranes, macroscopic structures need to be designed with controlled porosity and pore size. This manuscript reviews recent progress on two such structures: (i) CNT Bucky-papers, a non-woven, paper like structure of randomly entangled CNTs, and (ii) isoporous CNT membranes, where the hollow CNT interior acts as a membrane pore. The construction of these two types of membranes will be discussed, characterization and permeance results compared, and some promising applications presented.

A review on past and present development on the interlocking loadbearing hollow block (ILHB) system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bosro, M. Z. M.; Samad, A. A. A.; Mohamad, N.; Goh, W. I.; Tambichik, M. A.; Iman, M. A.

2018-04-01

Massive migration and increasing population in Malaysia has contributed to the increasing demand of quality and affordable housing. Over the past 50 years, the Malaysian housing industry has seen the growth of using conventional construction system such as reinforced concrete frame structures and bricks. The conventional system, as agreed by many researchers, causes delays and other disadvantages in some of the construction projects. Thus, the utilization of interlocking loadbearing hollow block (ILHB) system is needed to address these issues. This system has been identified as an alternative and sustainable building system for the construction industry in Malaysia which the PUTRA block system is the latest example of the ILHB developed. The system offers various advantages in terms of speed and cost in construction, strength, environmentally friendly and aesthetic qualities. Despite these advantages, this system has not been practically applied and develop in Malaysia. Therefore, this paper aims to review the past and present development of the interlocking loadbearing hollow block (ILHB) system that available locally and globally.

Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes in Modified Plant Oil Composites.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAninch, Ian M.; Wool, Richard P.

2007-03-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with their impressive mechanical properties are ideal reinforcement material. Acrylated epoxidized soy oil (AESO) has been previously shown to have favorable interactions with carbon nanotubes; however a mixture of aggregates and dispersed tubes were found even at low CNT concentrations. In order to prevent re-aggregation, the CNTs were functionalized with a 10 carbon long aliphatic chain. These aliphatic chains are similar to the fatty acids that make up soy oil. Functionalization was verified using XPS and IR spectroscopy. These functionalized CNTs were dispersed by mechanical shear mixing into AESO both with and without styrene as a comonomer. No large aggregates were observed in the liquid, uncured, samples or in the final cured composites. Dispersion in the solid composites was verified using optical and electron microscopy. Better dispersion also resulted in improved mechanical properties.

Novel Antimicrobial Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes Obtained through a Combination of Atomic Layer Deposition and Electrospinning Technologies.

PubMed

López de Dicastillo, Carol; Patiño, Cristian; Galotto, María Jose; Palma, Juan Luis; Alburquenque, Daniela; Escrig, Juan

2018-02-24

The search for new antimicrobial substances has increased in recent years. Antimicrobial nanostructures are one of the most promising alternatives. In this work, titanium dioxide nanotubes were obtained by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process over electrospun polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers (PVN) at different temperatures with the purpose of obtaining antimicrobial nanostructures with a high specific area. Electrospinning and ALD parameters were studied in order to obtain PVN with smallest diameter and highest deposition rate, respectively. Chamber temperature was a key factor during ALD process and an appropriate titanium dioxide deposition performance was achieved at 200 °C. Subsequently, thermal and morphological analysis by SEM and TEM microscopies revealed hollow nanotubes were obtained after calcination process at 600 °C. This temperature allowed complete polymer removal and influenced the resulting anatase crystallographic structure of titanium dioxide that positively affected their antimicrobial activities. X-ray analysis confirmed the change of titanium dioxide crystallographic structure from amorphous phase of deposited PVN to anatase crystalline structure of nanotubes. These new nanostructures with very large surface areas resulted in interesting antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Titanium dioxide nanotubes presented the highest activity against Escherichia coli with 5 log cycles reduction at 200 μg/mL concentration.

Novel Antimicrobial Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes Obtained through a Combination of Atomic Layer Deposition and Electrospinning Technologies

PubMed Central

Patiño, Cristian; Galotto, María Jose; Palma, Juan Luis; Alburquenque, Daniela

2018-01-01

The search for new antimicrobial substances has increased in recent years. Antimicrobial nanostructures are one of the most promising alternatives. In this work, titanium dioxide nanotubes were obtained by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process over electrospun polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers (PVN) at different temperatures with the purpose of obtaining antimicrobial nanostructures with a high specific area. Electrospinning and ALD parameters were studied in order to obtain PVN with smallest diameter and highest deposition rate, respectively. Chamber temperature was a key factor during ALD process and an appropriate titanium dioxide deposition performance was achieved at 200 °C. Subsequently, thermal and morphological analysis by SEM and TEM microscopies revealed hollow nanotubes were obtained after calcination process at 600 °C. This temperature allowed complete polymer removal and influenced the resulting anatase crystallographic structure of titanium dioxide that positively affected their antimicrobial activities. X-ray analysis confirmed the change of titanium dioxide crystallographic structure from amorphous phase of deposited PVN to anatase crystalline structure of nanotubes. These new nanostructures with very large surface areas resulted in interesting antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Titanium dioxide nanotubes presented the highest activity against Escherichia coli with 5 log cycles reduction at 200 μg/mL concentration. PMID:29495318

Halloysite clay nanotubes for controlled delivery of chemically active agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullayev, Elshard

In this work we explored the capabilities of halloysite nanotubes as capsules for encapsulation and controlled delivery of the chemically and biologically active substances. Halloysite is a two-layered aluminosilicate which has a predominantly hollow tubular structure in the submicron range and is chemically similar to kaolinite [1, 2]. In the first section of this work, we analyzed the structure of the halloysite nanotubes as well as its capability to encapsulate and deliver biologically and chemically active agents, similarities and differences between release characteristics of different agents and how these differences relate with their chemical structure. Models were used to describe the release characteristics of the active agents. Study of the interaction between loaded agents and halloysite nanotubes provides better understanding of the release characteristics of the loaded agents and how halloysite can be implemented for technological and medical applications. The second part of the work deals with self-healing coatings produced on the basis of halloysite nanotubes loaded with corrosion inhibitors. Self-healing coatings are one of the effective methods to protect metals from corrosion and deterioration. The difference between self-healing coatings and the usual coatings is the ability of the first to recover after the formation of the damages due to external or internal stresses. High efficiency of the self- healing coatings produced by halloysite nanotubes were demonstrated on 110 Copper alloys and 2024 aluminum alloys. Controlled delivery of the corrosion inhibitors with additional encapsulation of the halloysite nanotubes by synthesizing stoppers at tube endings was also demonstrated. Additional encapsulation of the halloysite nanotubes may be necessary when slow release of the loaded agents is required or rapid convection of the liquid in the surrounding environment takes place (since this may cause rapid release of the loaded agents without additional

Rheological behaviour, mechanical properties and morphological aspects of thermoplastic polyurethane reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russo, Pietro; Acierno, Domenico; Spena, Paola

2010-06-01

Melt blended compounds based on a film grade thermoplastic polyurethane resin filled with relatively low contents of multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been investigated. Materials, prepared through the production of a masterbatch containing 3 wt% of nanotubes and subsequent dilution of the same by addition of matrix pellets, were analyzed in the form of tapes and films always taking the neat matrix, processed in the same conditions, as the reference. Improvements of the matrix extrudability and mechanical benefits showed for all investigated composite samples have been satisfactorily interpreted by morphological observations carried out in both transmission and scanning electron microscopy.

Mechanical and electrical properties of low density polyethylene filled with carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabet, Maziyar; Soleimani, Hassan

2014-08-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reveal outstanding electrical and mechanical properties in addition to nanometer scale diameter and high aspect ratio, consequently, making it an ideal reinforcing agent for high strength polymer composites. Low density polyethylene (LDPE)/CNT composites were prepared via melt compounding. Mechanical and electrical properties of (LDPE)/CNT composites with different CNT contents were studied in this research.

Nanocomposites of nitrile (NBR) rubber with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warasitthinon, Nuthathai

Nanotechnology offers the promise of creating new materials with enhanced performance. There are different kinds of fillers used in rubber nanocomposites, such as carbon black, silica, carbon fibers, and organoclays. Carbon nanotube reinforced elastomers have potential for improved rubber properties in aggressive environments. The first chapter is an introduction to the literature. The second chapter investigated the incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into rubber matrix for potential use in high temperature applications. The vulcanization kinetics of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes was investigated. The vulcanized NBR rubber with different loading percentages of MWCNTs was also compared to NBR reinforced with carbon black N330. The optimum curing time at 170°C (T90) was found to decrease with increasing content of MWCNTs. Increased filler loading of both carbon black and MWCNTs gave higher modulus and strength. The MWCNTs filled materials gave better retention of modulus and tensile strength at high temperatures, but lower strength as compared to the carbon black filled samples. In the third chapter, carbon black (CB, 50phr) content in nitrile rubber (NBR) nanocomposites was partially replaced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). NBR/CB/CNTs nanocomposites with varying ratio of CB/CNTs (50/0 phr to 40/10 phr) were formulated via the melt-mixing method using an internal mixer. The reinforcing effect of single filler (CB) and mixture of fillers (CB and CNTs) on the properties of NBR nanocomposites was investigated. The cure kinetics and bound rubber content were analyzed using rheometry and solvent swelling method. In addition, mechanical behavior at both room temperature and high temperature (350°F/ 121°C) were examined. The scorch time and curing time values showed that there was no significant effect on the curing behavior of NBR nanocomposites after the partial replacement of CB with

Synergistic toughening of composite fibres by self-alignment of reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes

PubMed Central

Shin, Min Kyoon; Lee, Bommy; Kim, Shi Hyeong; Lee, Jae Ah; Spinks, Geoffrey M.; Gambhir, Sanjeev; Wallace, Gordon G.; Kozlov, Mikhail E.; Baughman, Ray H.; Kim, Seon Jeong

2012-01-01

The extraordinary properties of graphene and carbon nanotubes motivate the development of methods for their use in producing continuous, strong, tough fibres. Previous work has shown that the toughness of the carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer fibres exceeds that of previously known materials. Here we show that further increased toughness results from combining carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide flakes in solution-spun polymer fibres. The gravimetric toughness approaches 1,000 J g−1, far exceeding spider dragline silk (165 J g−1) and Kevlar (78 J g−1). This toughness enhancement is consistent with the observed formation of an interconnected network of partially aligned reduced graphene oxide flakes and carbon nanotubes during solution spinning, which act to deflect cracks and allow energy-consuming polymer deformation. Toughness is sensitive to the volume ratio of the reduced graphene oxide flakes to the carbon nanotubes in the spinning solution and the degree of graphene oxidation. The hybrid fibres were sewable and weavable, and could be shaped into high-modulus helical springs. PMID:22337128

Synergistic toughening of composite fibres by self-alignment of reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes.

PubMed

Shin, Min Kyoon; Lee, Bommy; Kim, Shi Hyeong; Lee, Jae Ah; Spinks, Geoffrey M; Gambhir, Sanjeev; Wallace, Gordon G; Kozlov, Mikhail E; Baughman, Ray H; Kim, Seon Jeong

2012-01-31

The extraordinary properties of graphene and carbon nanotubes motivate the development of methods for their use in producing continuous, strong, tough fibres. Previous work has shown that the toughness of the carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer fibres exceeds that of previously known materials. Here we show that further increased toughness results from combining carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide flakes in solution-spun polymer fibres. The gravimetric toughness approaches 1,000 J g(-1), far exceeding spider dragline silk (165 J g(-1)) and Kevlar (78 J g(-1)). This toughness enhancement is consistent with the observed formation of an interconnected network of partially aligned reduced graphene oxide flakes and carbon nanotubes during solution spinning, which act to deflect cracks and allow energy-consuming polymer deformation. Toughness is sensitive to the volume ratio of the reduced graphene oxide flakes to the carbon nanotubes in the spinning solution and the degree of graphene oxidation. The hybrid fibres were sewable and weavable, and could be shaped into high-modulus helical springs.

Polybenzoxazole Nanofiber-Reinforced Moisture-Responsive Soft Actuators.

PubMed

Chen, Meiling; Frueh, Johannes; Wang, Daolin; Lin, Xiankun; Xie, Hui; He, Qiang

2017-04-10

Hydromorphic biological systems, such as morning glory flowers, pinecones, and awns, have inspired researchers to design moisture-sensitive soft actuators capable of directly converting the change of moisture into motion or mechanical work. Here, we report a moisture-sensitive poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) nanofiber (PBONF)-reinforced carbon nanotube/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CNT/PVA) bilayer soft actuator with fine performance on conductivity and mechanical properties. The embedded PBONFs not only assist CNTs to form a continuous, conductive film, but also enhance the mechanical performance of the actuators. The PBONF-reinforced CNT/PVA bilayer actuators can unsymmetrically adsorb and desorb water, resulting in a reversible deformation. More importantly, the actuators show a pronounced increase of conductivity due to the deformation induced by the moisture change, which allows the integration of a moisture-sensitive actuator and a humidity sensor. Upon changing the environmental humidity, the actuators can respond by the deformation for shielding and report the humidity change in a visual manner, which has been demonstrated by a tweezer and a curtain. Such nanofiber-reinforced bilayer actuators with the sensing capability should hold considerable promise for the applications such as soft robots, sensors, intelligent switches, integrated devices, and material storage.

Self-assembly of crystalline nanotubes from monodisperse amphiphilic diblock copolypeptoid tiles

DOE PAGES

Sun, Jing; Jiang, Xi; Lund, Reidar; ...

2016-03-28

The folding and assembly of sequence-defined polymers into precisely ordered nanostructures promises a class of well-defined biomimetic architectures with specific function. Amphiphilic diblock copolymers are known to self-assemble in water to form a variety of nanostructured morphologies including spheres, disks, cylinders, and vesicles. In all of these cases, the predominant driving force for assembly is the formation of a hydrophobic core that excludes water, whereas the hydrophilic blocks are solvated and extend into the aqueous phase. However, such polymer systems typically have broad molar mass distributions and lack the purity and sequence-defined structure often associated with biologically derived polymers. Here,more » we demonstrate that purified, monodisperse amphiphilic diblock copolypeptoids, with chemically distinct domains that are congruent in size and shape, can behave like molecular tile units that spontaneously assemble into hollow, crystalline nanotubes in water. The nanotubes consist of stacked, porous crystalline rings, and are held together primarily by side-chain van der Waals interactions. The peptoid nanotubes form without a central hydrophobic core, chirality, a hydrogen bond network, and electrostatic or π-π interactions. These results demonstrate the remarkable structure-directing influence of n-alkane and ethyleneoxy side chains in polymer self-assembly. More broadly, this work suggests that flexible, low-molecular-weight sequence-defined polymers can serve as molecular tile units that can assemble into precision supramolecular architectures.« less

Self-assembly of crystalline nanotubes from monodisperse amphiphilic diblock copolypeptoid tiles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Jing; Jiang, Xi; Lund, Reidar

The folding and assembly of sequence-defined polymers into precisely ordered nanostructures promises a class of well-defined biomimetic architectures with specific function. Amphiphilic diblock copolymers are known to self-assemble in water to form a variety of nanostructured morphologies including spheres, disks, cylinders, and vesicles. In all of these cases, the predominant driving force for assembly is the formation of a hydrophobic core that excludes water, whereas the hydrophilic blocks are solvated and extend into the aqueous phase. However, such polymer systems typically have broad molar mass distributions and lack the purity and sequence-defined structure often associated with biologically derived polymers. Here,more » we demonstrate that purified, monodisperse amphiphilic diblock copolypeptoids, with chemically distinct domains that are congruent in size and shape, can behave like molecular tile units that spontaneously assemble into hollow, crystalline nanotubes in water. The nanotubes consist of stacked, porous crystalline rings, and are held together primarily by side-chain van der Waals interactions. The peptoid nanotubes form without a central hydrophobic core, chirality, a hydrogen bond network, and electrostatic or π-π interactions. These results demonstrate the remarkable structure-directing influence of n-alkane and ethyleneoxy side chains in polymer self-assembly. More broadly, this work suggests that flexible, low-molecular-weight sequence-defined polymers can serve as molecular tile units that can assemble into precision supramolecular architectures.« less

The Effects of Carbon Nanotube Reinforcement on Adhesive Joints for Naval Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS CNT Carbon Nanotube CoNap Cobalt Naphthenate DMA Dimethylaniline IR Infared MEKP Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide... removed prior to use. The selection of cold rolled steel significantly reduced the surface preparation required for each sample. The steel was one...6% Cobalt Naphthenate (CoNap), as well as an accelerator, dimethylaniline (DMA), can be varied to control gel time of the resign based on ambient

Experimental Study of Hollow Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parman, S. W.; Orlando, T. M.; Milliken, R. E.; Head, J. W.; Jones, B. M.; Anzures, B. A.

2018-05-01

Hollows are enigmatic features on the surface of Mercury caused by sublimation and/or space weathering. Here we propose a comprehensive experimental study in which candidate hollows materials are exposed to a range of relevant conditions.

Method for the production of fabricated hollow microspheroids

DOEpatents

Wickramanayake, Shan; Luebke, David R.

2015-06-09

The method relates to the fabrication of a polymer microspheres comprised of an asymmetric layer surrounding a hollow interior. The fabricated hollow microsphere is generated from a nascent hollow microsphere comprised of an inner core of core fluid surrounded by a dope layer of polymer dope, where the thickness of the dope layer is at least 10% and less than 50% of the diameter of the inner core. The nascent hollow microsphere is exposed to a gaseous environment, generating a vitrified hollow microsphere, which is subsequently immersed in a coagulation bath. Solvent exchange produces a fabricated hollow microsphere comprised of a densified outer skin surrounding a macroporous inner layer, which surrounds a hollow interior. In an embodiment, the polymer is a polyimide or a polyamide-imide, and the non-solvent in the core fluid and the coagulation bath is water. The fabricated hollow microspheres are particularly suited as solvent supports for gas separation processes.

Complex Hollow Nanostructures: Synthesis and Energy-Related Applications.

PubMed

Yu, Le; Hu, Han; Wu, Hao Bin; Lou, Xiong Wen David

2017-04-01

Hollow nanostructures offer promising potential for advanced energy storage and conversion applications. In the past decade, considerable research efforts have been devoted to the design and synthesis of hollow nanostructures with high complexity by manipulating their geometric morphology, chemical composition, and building block and interior architecture to boost their electrochemical performance, fulfilling the increasing global demand for renewable and sustainable energy sources. In this Review, we present a comprehensive overview of the synthesis and energy-related applications of complex hollow nanostructures. After a brief classification, the design and synthesis of complex hollow nanostructures are described in detail, which include hierarchical hollow spheres, hierarchical tubular structures, hollow polyhedra, and multi-shelled hollow structures, as well as their hybrids with nanocarbon materials. Thereafter, we discuss their niche applications as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries and hybrid supercapacitors, sulfur hosts for lithium-sulfur batteries, and electrocatalysts for oxygen- and hydrogen-involving energy conversion reactions. The potential superiorities of complex hollow nanostructures for these applications are particularly highlighted. Finally, we conclude this Review with urgent challenges and further research directions of complex hollow nanostructures for energy-related applications. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Facile synthesis of 3D silicon/carbon nanotube capsule composites as anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yue, Xinyang; Sun, Wang; Zhang, Jing; Wang, Fang; Sun, Kening

2016-10-01

Carbon nanotubes have attracted widespread attention as ideal materials for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their excellent conductivity, mechanical flexibility, chemical stability and extremely large surface area. Here, three-dimensional (3D) silicon/carbon nanotube capsule composites (Si/CNCs) are firstly prepared via water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion technique with more than 75 wt% loading amount of silicon. CNCs with unique hollow sphere structure act as a 3D interconnected conductive network skeleton, and the cross-linked carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of CNCs can effectively enhance the strength, flexibility and conductivity of the electrode. This Si/CNCs can not only alleviate the volume expansion, but also effectively improve the electrochemical performance of the LIBs. Such Si/CNCs electrode with the unique structure achieves a high initial discharge specific capacity of 2950 mAh g-1 and retains 1226 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 A g-1, as well as outstanding rate performance of 547 mAh g-1 at 10 A g-1.

High Volume Fraction Carbon Nanotube Composites for Aerospace Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siochi, E. J.; Kim, J.-W.; Sauti, G.; Cano, R. J.; Wincheski, R. A.; Ratcliffe, J. G.; Czabaj, M.

2016-01-01

Reported mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at the nanoscale suggest their potential to enable significantly lighter structures of interest for space applications. However, their utility depends on the retention of these properties in bulk material formats that permit practical fabrication of large structures. This presentation summarizes recent progress made to produce carbon nanotube composites with specific tensile properties that begin to rival those of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. CNT content in these nanocomposites was greater than 70% by weight. Tested nanocomposite specimens were fabricated from kilometers or tens of square meters of CNT, depending on the starting material format. Processing methods to yield these results, and characterization and testing to evaluate the performance of these composites will be discussed. The final objective is the demonstration of a CNT composite overwrapped pressure vessel to be flight tested in the Fall of 2016.

Non-lead hollow point bullet

DOEpatents

Vaughn, Norman L.; Lowden, Richard A.

2003-04-15

The non-lead hollow point bullet of the instant invention comprises a mixed construction slug further comprising, a monolithic metal insert having a tapered (preferred conical) hollow point tip and a tapered (preferred conical) tail protrusion, and an unsintered powdered metal composite core in tandem alignment with the insert. The core has a hollow tapered (preferred conical) cavity tip portion coupled with the tapered (preferred conical) tail protrusion on the insert. An open tip jacket envelops at least a portion of the insert and the core. The jacket is swaged at the open tip.

Hydroxyapatite reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and bovine serum albumin for bone substitute applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gholami, Fatemeh; Noor, Ahmad-Fauzi Mohd

2016-12-01

The similarity of the chemical composition of HA to the mineral phase of bone and its excellent biocompatibility meets the requirement of materials designed for bone substitute purpose. The application of HA in load bearing devices is limited by its poor mechanical properties. CNTs with outstanding stiffness, strength, combined with their small size and large interfacial area, suggest that they may have great potential as a reinforcing agent for HA. This work aims to develop the Hydroxyapatite/Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes/Bovine Serum Albumin (HA/MWCNTs/BSA) composites with different types of MWCNTs including hydroxylated and carboxylated MWCNTs (MWCNTs-OH, MWCNTs-COOH), and evaluation of mechanical strength and in vitro cellular response of developed composites. HA powder was mixed with de-ionized water, 15 wt.% BSA, and 0.5 wt.% of different MWCNTs* (> 95%), MWCNTs (> 99.9%), MWCNTs-OH (> 99.9%), MWCNTs-COOH (> 99.9%) to produce composites. Among all developed composites, the HA/MWCNTs-COOH/BSA shows the highest compressive strength (29.57 MPa). The cytotoxic effect of HA/MWCNTs-COOH/BSA with different concentrations (6.25 to 200 µg/ml) was evaluated by MTT assay against normal human colon fibroblast (CCD-18Co cell line). At low concentration, all developed composites were found to be non-cytotoxic when treated to the human fibroblast cells and did not elicit cytotoxic effects on cell proliferation and the highest values of cell viability (283%) for the HA/MWCNTs-COOH/BSA composites obtained; whereas when the concentration was increased, the reduction in cell viability was observed. The novel composites showed favorable cytocompatibility with improved compressive strength which make it applicable to use in range of trabecular bone.

Examination of the high-frequency capability of carbon nanotube FETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pulfrey, David L.; Chen, Li

2008-09-01

New results are added to a recent critique of the high-frequency performance of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs). On the practical side, reduction of the number of metallic tubes in CNFETs fashioned from multiple nanotubes has allowed the measured fT to be increased to 30 GHz. On the theoretical side, the opinion that the band-structure-determined velocity limits the high-frequency performance has been reinforced by corrections to recent simulation results for doped-contact CNFETs, and by the ruling out of the possibility of favourable image-charge effects. Inclusion in the simulations of the features of finite gate-metal thickness and source/drain contact resistance has given an indication of likely practical values for fT. A meaningful comparison between CNFETs with doped-contacts and metallic contacts has been made.

Magnetic nanotubes

DOEpatents

Matsui, Hiroshi; Matsunaga, Tadashi

2010-11-16

A magnetic nanotube includes bacterial magnetic nanocrystals contacted onto a nanotube which absorbs the nanocrystals. The nanocrystals are contacted on at least one surface of the nanotube. A method of fabricating a magnetic nanotube includes synthesizing the bacterial magnetic nanocrystals, which have an outer layer of proteins. A nanotube provided is capable of absorbing the nanocrystals and contacting the nanotube with the nanocrystals. The nanotube is preferably a peptide bolaamphiphile. A nanotube solution and a nanocrystal solution including a buffer and a concentration of nanocrystals are mixed. The concentration of nanocrystals is optimized, resulting in a nanocrystal to nanotube ratio for which bacterial magnetic nanocrystals are immobilized on at least one surface of the nanotubes. The ratio controls whether the nanocrystals bind only to the interior or to the exterior surfaces of the nanotubes. Uses include cell manipulation and separation, biological assay, enzyme recovery, and biosensors.

Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) Nanorods, Nanotubes, and Nanowires.

PubMed

Arbulu, Roberto C; Jiang, Ying-Bing; Peterson, Eric J; Qin, Yang

2018-05-14

New mechanisms for the controlled growth of one-dimensional (1D) metal-organic framework (MOF) nano- and superstructures under size-confinement and surface-directing effects have been discovered. Through applying interfacial synthesis templated by track-etched polycarbonate (PCTE) membranes, congruent polycrystalline zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) solid nanorods and hollow nanotubes were found to form within 100 nm membrane pores, while single crystalline ZIF-8 nanowires grew inside 30 nm pores, all of which possess large aspect ratios up to 60 and show preferential crystal orientation with the {100} planes aligned parallel to the long axis of the pore. Our findings provide a generalizable method for controlling size, morphology, and lattice orientation of MOF nanomaterials. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Carbon hybridized halloysite nanotubes for high-performance hydrogen storage capacities

PubMed Central

Jin, Jiao; Fu, Liangjie; Yang, Huaming; Ouyang, Jing

2015-01-01

Hybrid nanotubes of carbon and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with different carbon:HNTs ratio were hydrothermally synthesized from natural halloysite and sucrose. The samples display uniformly cylindrical hollow tubular structure with different morphologies. These hybrid nanotubes were concluded to be promising medium for physisorption-based hydrogen storage. The hydrogen adsorption capacity of pristine HNTs was 0.35% at 2.65 MPa and 298 K, while that of carbon coated HNTs with the pre-set carbon:HNTs ratio of 3:1 (3C-HNTs) was 0.48% under the same condition. This carbon coated method could offer a new pattern for increasing the hydrogen adsorption capacity. It was also possible to enhance the hydrogen adsorption capacity through the spillover mechanism by incorporating palladium (Pd) in the samples of HNTs (Pd-HNTs) and 3C-HNTs (Pd-3C-HNTs and 3C-Pd-HNTs are the samples with different location of Pd nanoparticles). The hydrogen adsorption capacity of the Pd-HNTs was 0.50% at 2.65 MPa and 298 K, while those of Pd-3C-HNTs and 3C-Pd-HNTs were 0.58% and 0.63%, respectively. In particular, for this spillover mechanism of Pd-carbon-HNTs ternary system, the bidirectional transmission of atomic and molecular hydrogen (3C-Pd-HNTs) was concluded to be more effective than the unidirectional transmission (Pd-3C-HNTs) in this work for the first time. PMID:26201827

Exposures to nanoparticles and fibers during injection molding and recycling of carbon nanotube reinforced polycarbonate composites.

PubMed

Boonruksa, Pongsit; Bello, Dhimiter; Zhang, Jinde; Isaacs, Jacqueline A; Mead, Joey L; Woskie, Susan R

2017-07-01

In this study, the characteristics of airborne particles generated during injection molding and grinding processes of carbon nanotube reinforced polycarbonate composites (CNT-PC) were investigated. Particle number concentration, size distribution, and morphology of particles emitted from the processes were determined using real-time particle sizers and transmission electron microscopy. The air samples near the operator's breathing zone were collected on filters and analyzed using scanning electron microscope for particle morphology and respirable fiber count. Processing and grinding during recycling of CNT-PC released airborne nanoparticles (NPs) with a geometric mean (GM) particle concentration from 4.7 × 10 3 to 1.7 × 10 6 particles/cm 3 . The ratios of the GM particle concentration measured during the injection molding process with exhaust ventilation relative to background were up to 1.3 (loading), 1.9 (melting), and 1.4 (molding), and 101.4 for grinding process without exhaust ventilation, suggesting substantial NP exposures during these processes. The estimated mass concentration was in the range of 1.6-95.2 μg/m 3 . Diverse particle morphologies, including NPs, NP agglomerates, particles with embedded or protruding CNTs and fibers, were observed. No free CNTs were found during any of the investigated processes. The breathing zone respirable fiber concentration during the grinding process ranged from non-detectable to 0.13 fiber/cm 3 . No evidence was found that the emissions were affected by the number of recycling cycles. Institution of exposure controls is recommended during these processes to limit exposures to airborne NPs and CNT-containing fibers.

Carbon Nanotubes Filled with Different Ferromagnetic Alloys Affect the Growth and Development of Rice Seedlings by Changing the C:N Ratio and Plant Hormones Concentrations.

PubMed

Hao, Yi; Yu, Feifan; Lv, Ruitao; Ma, Chuanxin; Zhang, Zetian; Rui, Yukui; Liu, Liming; Cao, Weidong; Xing, Baoshan

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the phytotoxicity of thin-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. Three different CNTs, including hollow multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), Fe-filled carbon nanotubes (Fe-CNTs), and Fe-Co-filled carbon nanotubes (FeCo-CNTs), were evaluated. The CNTs significantly inhibited rice growth by decreasing the concentrations of endogenous plant hormones. The carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio) significantly increased in rice roots after treatments with CNTs, and all three types of CNTs had the same effects on the C:N ratio. Interestingly, the increase in the C:N ratio in roots was largely because of decreased N content, indicating that the CNTs significantly decreased N assimilation. Analyses of the Fe and Co contents in plant tissues, transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis proved that the CNTs could penetrate the cell wall and the cell membrane, and then enter the root cells. According to the author's knowledge, this is the first time to study the relationship between carbon nanotubes and carbon nitrogen ratio and plant hormones.

Carbon Nanotubes Filled with Different Ferromagnetic Alloys Affect the Growth and Development of Rice Seedlings by Changing the C:N Ratio and Plant Hormones Concentrations

PubMed Central

Lv, Ruitao; Ma, Chuanxin; Zhang, Zetian; Rui, Yukui; Liu, Liming; Cao, Weidong; Xing, Baoshan

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the phytotoxicity of thin-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. Three different CNTs, including hollow multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), Fe-filled carbon nanotubes (Fe-CNTs), and Fe-Co-filled carbon nanotubes (FeCo-CNTs), were evaluated. The CNTs significantly inhibited rice growth by decreasing the concentrations of endogenous plant hormones. The carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N ratio) significantly increased in rice roots after treatments with CNTs, and all three types of CNTs had the same effects on the C:N ratio. Interestingly, the increase in the C:N ratio in roots was largely because of decreased N content, indicating that the CNTs significantly decreased N assimilation. Analyses of the Fe and Co contents in plant tissues, transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis proved that the CNTs could penetrate the cell wall and the cell membrane, and then enter the root cells. According to the author's knowledge, this is the first time to study the relationship between carbon nanotubes and carbon nitrogen ratio and plant hormones. PMID:27284692

Process for making hollow carbon spheres

DOEpatents

Luhrs, Claudia C.; Phillips, Jonathan; Richard, Monique N.; Knapp, Angela Michelle

2013-04-16

A hollow carbon sphere having a carbon shell and an inner core is disclosed. The hollow carbon sphere has a total volume that is equal to a volume of the carbon shell plus an inner free volume within the carbon shell. The inner free volume is at least 25% of the total volume. In some instances, a nominal diameter of the hollow carbon sphere is between 10 and 180 nanometers.

Method to fabricate hollow microneedle arrays

DOEpatents

Kravitz, Stanley H [Placitas, NM; Ingersoll, David [Albuquerque, NM; Schmidt, Carrie [Los Lunas, NM; Flemming, Jeb [Albuquerque, NM

2006-11-07

An inexpensive and rapid method for fabricating arrays of hollow microneedles uses a photoetchable glass. Furthermore, the glass hollow microneedle array can be used to form a negative mold for replicating microneedles in biocompatible polymers or metals. These microneedle arrays can be used to extract fluids from plants or animals. Glucose transport through these hollow microneedles arrays has been found to be orders of magnitude more rapid than natural diffusion.

Inorganic nanotubes reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride composites as low-cost electromagnetic interference shielding materials

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Novel polymer nanocomposites comprising of MnO2 nanotubes (MNTs), functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were synthesized. Homogeneous distribution of f-MWCNTs and MNTs in PVDF matrix were confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Electrical conductivity measurements were performed on these polymer composites using four probe technique. The addition of 2 wt.% of MNTs (2 wt.%, f-MWCNTs) to PVDF matrix results in an increase in the electrical conductivity from 10-16S/m to 4.5 × 10-5S/m (3.2 × 10-1S/m). Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) was measured with vector network analyzer using waveguide sample holder in X-band frequency range. EMI SE of approximately 20 dB has been obtained with the addition of 5 wt.% MNTs-1 wt.% f-MWCNTs to PVDF in comparison with EMI SE of approximately 18 dB for 7 wt.% of f-MWCNTs indicating the potential use of the present MNT/f-MWCNT/PVDF composite as low-cost EMI shielding materials in X-band region. PMID:21711633

Effect of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Adsorption on the Behavior of Water inside Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulation.

PubMed

Vo, Minh D; Papavassiliou, Dimitrios V

2016-04-15

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations were utilized to investigate the ability of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to adsorb inside a single-walled, arm-chair carbon nanotube (SWCNT), as well as the effect of surfactant on the properties of water inside the SWCNT. The diameter of the SWCNT varied from 1 to 5 nm. The radial and axial density profiles of water inside the SWCNTs were computed and compared with published molecular dynamics results. The average residence time and diffusivity were also calculated to show the size effect on mobility of water inside the SWCNT. It was found that nanotubes with diameter smaller than 3 nm do not allow SDS molecules to enter the SWCNT space. For larger SWCNT diameter, SDS adsorbed inside and outside the nanotube. When SDS was adsorbed in the hollow part of the SWCNT, the behavior of water inside the nanotube was found to be significantly changed. Both radial and axial density profiles of water inside the SWCNT fluctuated strongly and were different from those in bulk phase. In addition, SDS molecules increased the retention of water beads inside SWCNT (d ≥ 3nm) while water diffusivity was decreased.

Method for making a microporous membrane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gavalas, Lillian Susan (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A method for making a microporous membrane comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of carbon nanotubes having a hollow interior diameter of 20 Angstroms or less; sonicating the plurality of carbon nanotubes utilizing a solution comprising deionized, distilled water and a surfactant that coats at least one of the plurality of carbon nanotubes; collecting the coated carbon nanotubes; forming a matrix that supports the plurality of carbon nanotubes; embedding the coated carbon nanotubes into the matrix; rinsing the coated nanotubes to remove at least a portion of the surfactant; curing the nanotube-matrix assembly; and cutting the nanotube-matrix assembly to a particular thickness so as to open the ends of the embedded nanotubes. The hollow interiors of the plurality of embedded carbon nanotubes comprise the pores of the microporous membrane.

Effect of MWCNT reinforcement on the precipitation-hardening behavior of AA2219

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Shijo; Umasankar, V.

2018-01-01

Aluminum alloy matrix composites have found a predominant place in research, and their applications are explored in almost all industries. The aerospace industry has been using precipitation-hardenable alloys in structural applications. However, insufficient literature is available on the influence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on precipitation-hardenable alloy composite materials; thus, this work was designed to elucidate the effect on MWCNT reinforcement on AA2219 with and without precipitation hardening. Reinforcement with MWCNTs has been reported to accelerate precipitation and to achieve greater hardness within a much shorter time. The addition of 0.75wt% MWCNTs resulted in maximal hardness at 90 min, which is approximately 27% of improvement over the maximum hardness achieved by the corresponding monolithic alloy after 10 h of aging. The sample reinforced with 0.75wt% MWCNTs showed an improvement of 82% in hardness by solutionizing and aging compared to that achieved by sintering.

Pristine and γ-irradiated halloysite reinforced epoxy nanocomposites - Insight study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saif, Muhammad Jawwad; Naveed, Muhammad; Zia, Khalid Mahmood; Asif, Muhammad

2016-10-01

The present study focuses on development of epoxy system reinforced with naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). A comparative study is presented describing the performance of pristine and γ-irradiated HNTs in an epoxy matrix. The γ-irradiation treatment was used for structural modification of natural pristine HNTs under air sealed environment at different absorbed doses and subsequently these irradiated HNTs were incorporated in epoxy resin with various wt% loadings. The consequences of γ-irradiation on HNTs were studied by FTIR and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) in terms of changes in functional groups and crystalline characteristics. An improvement is observed in mechanical properties and crack resistance of composites reinforced with γ-irradiated HNTs. The irradiated HNTs imparted an improved flexural and tensile strength/modulus along with better thermal performance.

The Electrospun Ceramic Hollow Nanofibers

PubMed Central

Davoudpour, Yalda; Habibi, Youssef; Elbahri, Mady

2017-01-01

Hollow nanofibers are largely gaining interest from the scientific community for diverse applications in the fields of sensing, energy, health, and environment. The main reasons are: their extensive surface area that increases the possibilities of engineering, their larger accessible active area, their porosity, and their sensitivity. In particular, semiconductor ceramic hollow nanofibers show greater space charge modulation depth, higher electronic transport properties, and shorter ion or electron diffusion length (e.g., for an enhanced charging–discharging rate). In this review, we discuss and introduce the latest developments of ceramic hollow nanofiber materials in terms of synthesis approaches. Particularly, electrospinning derivatives will be highlighted. The electrospun ceramic hollow nanofibers will be reviewed with respect to their most widely studied components, i.e., metal oxides. These nanostructures have been mainly suggested for energy and environmental remediation. Despite the various advantages of such one dimensional (1D) nanostructures, their fabrication strategies need to be improved to increase their practical use. The domain of nanofabrication is still advancing, and its predictable shortcomings and bottlenecks must be identified and addressed. Inconsistency of the hollow nanostructure with regard to their composition and dimensions could be one of such challenges. Moreover, their poor scalability hinders their wide applicability for commercialization and industrial use. PMID:29120403

Characterization of Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube Yarns: In-situ Strain Sensing and Composite Reinforcement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Page, Christian David

A large body of scientific research and development worldwide has focused on the unprecedented structural/functional properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT), yet translation of these unique properties of CNTs to macroscopic materials has been slow to develop. CNT yarns are an appealing application for CNTs; their lightweight and small diameter can allow for them to be embedded into composite materials. Since the individual nanotubes have shown to have incredibly high strength, stiffness, and strain sensitivity, CNT yarns have the potential to be highly effective for in-situ structural health monitoring of advanced materials and structures. This work identifies the sources for losses in strength and electromechanical sensitivity. This is done by first understanding the physics involved with a CNT yarn under axial strain. Since this material is not a Newtonian solid, the stress-strain relationships are dissimilar to conventional materials, exhibiting a three zone behavior. This is present in both the stress-strain and resistance-strain relationships. A tensile test performed in-situ within a scanning electron microscope showed that the diameter of the yarn reduced greatly during tension, which indicates that the volume is not constant; therefore, the intratube/intrabundle load transfer efficiency and electrical conductivity change significantly under strain. Observation of this phenomenon helps elucidate the source for loss in the translation from nanoscopic CNTs to the macroscopic CNT yarns. Following the observation that the CNT yarn is not a solid body mechanics system, investigation into the long-standing field of textile engineering helped to identify that the CNT yarn structural hierarchy should be re-evaluated. Literary review reveals that the predominant base morphology of CNT yarns is bundles of CNTs as opposed to individual CNTs. Furthermore, in conventional textiles, it is well known that the base morphology (in textiles this is the "fiber") will bundle

Energy dissipation and high-strain rate dynamic response of E-glass fiber composites with anchored carbon nanotubes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study explores the mechanical properties of an E-glass fabric composite reinforced with anchored multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The CNTs were grown on the E-glass fabric using a floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition procedure. The E-glass fabric with attached CNTs was then incorpor...

Nanoparticles of layered compounds with hollow cage structures (inorganic fullerene-like structures)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tenne, R.; Homyonfer, M.; Feldman, Y.

Using the paradigm of carbon fullerenes, it is shown that nanoparticles of inorganic compounds with a layered structure, like MoS{sub 2}, are unstable against bending and form hollow closed clusters, designated inorganic fullerene-like structures (IF). The analogy can be extended to similar nanostructures, like nanotubes (NT), nested fullerenes, fullerenes with negative curvature (Schwartzites), etc. Various synthetic routes are described to obtain isolated phases of IF. Pentagons and heptagons are expected to play a primodal role in the folding of these nanostructures but no direct evidence for their presence or their detailed structure exits so far. Depending on the structure ofmore » the unit cell of the layered compound, apexes of a different topology, like triangles or rectangles, are believed to be stable elements in IF. Applications of such nanoparticles as solid lubricants in mixtures with lubricating fluids are described.« less

Protein-based nanotubes for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komatsu, Teruyuki

2012-03-01

This review presents highlights of our latest results of studies directed at developing protein-based smart nanotubes for biomedical applications. These practical biocylinders were prepared using an alternate layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of protein and oppositely charged poly(amino acid) into a nanoporous polycarbonate (PC) membrane (pore diameter, 400 nm), with subsequent dissolution of the template. The tube wall typically comprises six layers of poly-l-arginine (PLA) and human serum albumin (HSA) [(PLA/HSA)3]. The obtained (PLA/HSA)3 nanotubes (NTs) can be dispersed in aqueous medium and are hydrated significantly. Several ligands for HSA, such as zinc(ii) protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP), were bound to the HSA component in the cylindrical wall. Similar NTs comprising recombinant HSA mutant, which has a strong binding affinity for ZnPP, captured the ligand more tightly. The Fe3O4-coated NTs can be collected easily by exposure to a magnetic field. The hybrid NTs bearing a single avidin layer as an internal wall captured biotin-labeled nanoparticles into the central channel when their particle size is sufficiently small to enter the pores. The NTs with an antibody surface interior entrapped human hepatitis B virus with size selectivity. It is noteworthy that the infectious Dane particles were encapsulated completely into the hollows. Other HSA-based NTs having an α-glucosidase inner wall hydrolysed a glucopyranoside to yield α-d-glucose. A perspective of the practical use of the protein-based NTs is also described.

Pseudo-stir bar hollow fiber solid/liquid phase microextraction combined with anodic stripping voltammetry for determination of lead and cadmium in water samples

PubMed Central

Es’haghi, Zarrin; Hoseini, Hasan Ali; Mohammadi-Nokhandani, Saeed; Ebrahimi, Javad

2013-01-01

A new procedure is presented for the determination of low concentrations of lead and cadmium in water samples. Ligand assisted pseudo-stir bar hollow fiber solid/liquid phase microextraction using sol–gel sorbent reinforced with carbon nanotubes was combined with differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry for simultaneous determination of cadmium and lead in tap water, and Darongar river water samples. In the present work, differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) using a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) was used in order to determine the ultra trace level of lead and cadmium ions in real samples. This method is based on accumulation of lead and cadmium ions on the electrode using different ligands; Quinolin-8-ol, 5,7-diiodo quinoline-8-ol, 4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazole-2(3H)-one and 2-{[2-(2-Hydroxy-ethylamino)-ethylamino]-methyl}-phenol as the complexing agent. The optimized conditions were obtained. The relationship between the peak current versus concentration was linear over the range of 0.05–500 ng mL−1 for Cd (II) and Pb (II). The limits of detection for lead and cadmium were 0.015 ng mL−1 and 0.012 ng mL−1, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, the pre-concentration factors are 2440 and 3710 for Cd (II) and Pb (II) in 5 mL of water sample, respectively. PMID:25685537

Refilling of carbon nanotube cartridges for 3D nanomanufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bekarevich, Raman; Toyoda, Masami; Baba, Shuichi; Nakata, Toshihiko; Hirahara, Kaori

2016-03-01

Metal-filled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known to be used as pen-tip injectors for 3D manufacturing on the nanoscale. However, the CNT interior cannot accumulate enough material to fabricate complex metallic nanostructures. Therefore a method for refilling the CNT cartridge needs to be developed. The strategy for refilling of CNT cartridges is suggested in this study. Controlled growth of gold nanowires in the interior of isolated CNTs using a real-time manipulator installed in a transmission electron microscope is reported herein. The encapsulation process of discrete gold nanoparticles in the hollow spaces of open-ended multi-wall CNTs was evaluated in detail. The experimental results reveal that the serial loading of isolated gold nanoparticles allows the control of the length of the loaded nanowires with nanometer accuracy. Thermophoresis and the coalescence of gold nanoparticles are assumed to be the primary mechanisms responsible for gold loading into a CNT cartridge.Metal-filled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are known to be used as pen-tip injectors for 3D manufacturing on the nanoscale. However, the CNT interior cannot accumulate enough material to fabricate complex metallic nanostructures. Therefore a method for refilling the CNT cartridge needs to be developed. The strategy for refilling of CNT cartridges is suggested in this study. Controlled growth of gold nanowires in the interior of isolated CNTs using a real-time manipulator installed in a transmission electron microscope is reported herein. The encapsulation process of discrete gold nanoparticles in the hollow spaces of open-ended multi-wall CNTs was evaluated in detail. The experimental results reveal that the serial loading of isolated gold nanoparticles allows the control of the length of the loaded nanowires with nanometer accuracy. Thermophoresis and the coalescence of gold nanoparticles are assumed to be the primary mechanisms responsible for gold loading into a CNT cartridge. Electronic

Hollow latex particles: synthesis and applications.

PubMed

McDonald, Charles J; Devon, Michael J

2002-12-02

One of the major developments in emulsion polymerization over the last two decades has been the ability to make hollow latex particles. This has contributed many fundamental insights into the synthesis and the development of structure in particles. Hollow latex particles also enhance the performance of industrial coatings and potentially are useful in other technologies such as microencapsulation and controlled release. Ever since the publication of the initial process patents describing these particles, there has been a global R&D effort to extend the synthetic techniques and applications. One prominent synthetic approach to hollow particles is based on osmotic swelling. This dominates the literature, and usually starts with the synthesis of a structured latex particle containing an ionizable core that is subsequently expanded with the addition of base. Fundamental to this approach are a sophisticated control of transport phenomena, chemical reactivity within the particle, and the thermoplastic properties of the polymer shell. Hydrocarbon encapsulation technology has also been employed to make hollow latex particles. One approach involves a dispersed ternary system that balances transport, conversion kinetics, and phase separation variables to achieve the hollow morphology. Other techniques, including the use of blowing agents, are also present in the literature. The broad range of approaches that affords particles with a hollow structure demonstrates the unique flexibility of the emulsion polymerization process.

Electrochemical Implications of Defects in Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, Jonathan Peter

The electrochemical behavior of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) containing both intrinsic and extrinsically introduced defects has been investigated through the study of bamboo and hollow multi-walled CNT morphologies. The controlled addition of argon, hydrogen, and chlorine ions in addition to atomic hydrogen and magnesium vapor was used for varying the charge and type of extrinsic defects. To quantify changes in the CNTs upon treatment, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques were employed. It was indicated from Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronopotentiometric experiments that the electrochemical response of hollow type CNTs could be tailored more significantly compared to bamboo type CNTs, which have innately high reactive site densities and are less amenable to modification. Total defect density and edge-plane-like defect concentrations monitored through Raman spectroscopy were used to correlate changes in the electrochemical response of the CNT electrodes as a function of treatment. The implementation of CNT electrodes in a prototypical electrolytic capacitor device was then explored and characterized. Dependencies on source current and redox couple concentration were evaluated, as well as changes in the total capacitance as a function of treatment. Cyclability studies were also performed as a function of source current magnitude to evaluate the longevity of the faradaic currents which typically decrease over time in other similar capacitors. This thesis then concludes with an overall summary of the themes and findings of the research presented in this work.

Titanium dioxide nanotubes addition to self-adhesive resin cement: Effect on physical and biological properties.

PubMed

Ramos-Tonello, Carla M; Lisboa-Filho, Paulo N; Arruda, Larisa B; Tokuhara, Cintia K; Oliveira, Rodrigo C; Furuse, Adilson Y; Rubo, José H; Borges, Ana Flávia S

2017-07-01

This study has investigated the influence of Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO 2 -nt) addition to self-adhesive resin cement on the degree of conversion, water sorption, and water solubility, mechanical and biological properties. A commercially available auto-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200™, 3M ESPE) was reinforced with varying amounts of nanotubes (0.3, 0.6, 0.9wt%) and evaluated at different curing modes (self- and dual cure). The DC in different times (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15min), water sorption (Ws) and solubility (Sl), 3-point flexural strength (σf), elastic modulus (E), Knoop microhardness (H) and viability of NIH/3T3 fibroblasts were performed to characterize the resin cement. Reinforced self-adhesive resin cement, regardless of concentration, increased the DC for the self- and dual-curing modes at all times studied. The concentration of the TiO 2 -nt and the curing mode did not influence the Ws and Sl. Regarding σf, concentrations of both 0.3 and 0.9wt% for self-curing mode resulted in data similar to that of dual-curing unreinforced cement. The E increased with the addition of 0.9wt% for self-cure mode and H increased with 0.6 and 0.9wt% for both curing modes. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that reinforced cements were biocompatible. TiO 2 -nt reinforced self-adhesive resin cement are promising materials for use in indirect dental restorations. Taken together, self-adhesive resin cement reinforced with TiO 2 -nt exhibited physicochemical and mechanical properties superior to those of unreinforced cements, without compromising their cellular viability. Copyright © 2017 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hollow cathodes for arcjet thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luebben, Craig R.; Wilbur, Paul J.

1987-01-01

In an attempt to prevent exterior spot emission, hollow cathode bodies and orifice plates were constructed from boron nitride which is an electrical insulator, but the orifice plates melted and/or eroded at high interelectrode pressures. The most suitable hollow cathodes tested included a refractory metal orifice plate in a boron nitride body, with the insert insulated electrically from the orifice plate. In addition, the hollow cathode interior was evacuated to assure a low pressure at the insert surface, thus promoting diffuse electron emission. At high interelectrode pressures, the electrons tended to flow through the orifice plate rather than through the orifice, which could result in overheating of the orifice plate. Using a carefully aligned centerline anode, electron flow through the orifice could be sustained at interelectrode pressures up to 500 torr - but the current flow path still occasionally jumped from the orifice to the orifice plate. Based on these tests, it appears that a hollow cathode would operate most effectively at pressures in the arcjet regime with a refractory, chemically stable, and electrically insulating cathode body and orifice plate.

Hollow fibers for compact infrared gas sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambrecht, A.; Hartwig, S.; Herbst, J.; Wöllenstein, J.

2008-02-01

Hollow fibers can be used for compact infrared gas sensors. The guided light is absorbed by the gas introduced into the hollow core. High sensitivity and a very small sampling volume can be achieved depending on fiber parameters i.e. attenuation, flexibility, and gas exchange rates. Different types of infrared hollow fibers including photonic bandgap fibers were characterized using quantum cascade lasers and thermal radiation sources. Obtained data are compared with available product specifications. Measurements with a compact fiber based ethanol sensor are compared with a system simulation. First results on the detection of trace amounts of the explosive material TATP using hollow fibers and QCL will be shown.

28,000 Hour Xenon Hollow Cathode LifeTest Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarver-Verhey, Timothy R.

1997-01-01

The International Space Station Plasma Contactor System requires a hollow cathode assembly (HCA) with a lifetime of at least 18,000 hours. Critical components of the HCA include the hollow cathode and electron emitter. A series of hollow cathode wear tests was performed which included a life test operated at the maximum current of the HCA. This test sought to verify the hollow cathode design and contamination control protocols. The life test accumulated 27,800 hours of operation before failing to ignite. The hollow cathode exhibited relatively small changes in operating parameters over the course of the test. This life test is the longest duration test of a high current xenon hollow cathode reported to date.

Synthesis and microwave absorption property of graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes modified with cauliflower-like Fe3O4 nanospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Shaojiu; Wang, Lina; Wang, Tihong; Zhang, Liqiang; Li, Yongfeng; Dai, Shenglong

2016-03-01

We report a simple procedure to fabricate graphene oxide/carbon nanotube hybrids coated with cauliflower-like Fe3O4 sphere. Characterizations have been carried out to investigate the morphology, crystalline structure of the composites by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Fe3O4 particles have the morphologies of multi-lacuna; moreover, some spheres are hollow. As a kind of potential microwave absorption material, the composites are lightweight and exhibit excellent microwave absorbing ability in the range of 2-16 GHz.

Seamless metal-clad fiber-reinforced organic matrix composite structures and process for their manufacture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bluck, Raymond M. (Inventor); Bush, Harold G. (Inventor); Johnson, Robert R. (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A metallic outer sleeve is provided which is capable of enveloping a hollow metallic inner member having continuous reinforcing fibers attached to the distal end thereof. The inner member is then introduced into outer sleeve until inner member is completely enveloped by outer sleeve. A liquid matrix member is then injected into space between inner member and outer sleeve. A pressurized heat transfer medium is flowed through the inside of inner member, thereby forming a fiber reinforced matrix composite material. The wall thicknesses of both inner member and outer sleeve are then reduced to the appropriate size by chemical etching, to adjust the thermal expansion coefficient of the metal-clad composite structure to the desired value. thereby forming a fiber reinforced matrix composite material. The wall thicknesses of both inner member and outer sleeve are then reduced to the appropriate size by chemical etching, to adjust the thermal expansion coefficient of the metal-clad composite structure to the desired value. The novelty of this invention resides in the development of a efficient method of producing seamless metal clad fiber reinforced organic matrix composite structures.

Nanoprobe studies: Electrical transport in carbon nanotubes and crystal structure of aluminum nitride surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, Sujit Kumar

Nanoprobes are an extraordinary set of experimental tools that allow fabrication, manipulation, and measurement in nano-scale systems. The primary use of a nanoprobe for imaging tiny objects is supplemented by powerful electrical techniques, namely scanning surface potential microscopy and current sensing atomic force microscopy. They allow us to measure potential, and current in carbon nanotube circuits. Nanoprobes are superior to conventional two- or four-probe measurements because they can provide spatial information of local electronic properties. This makes them highly attractive in studying junctions and contacts with carbon nanotubes. We have studied single-walled carbon nanotube circuits, forming junctions to other nanotubes. The experimental results indicate that these junctions act like potential barriers of about 50 meV that can confine electrons with an effective mass of 0.003 me , within nanotube channels of length 0.5 mum lying in-between two such potential barriers. This leads to quantization of the channel, forming a resonant tunneling structure. We have also found that single-walled nanotubes have phase coherence lengths of the order of 1 mum. This leads to situations where the electron interference effects at scattering centers need to be considered. We have seen direct evidence of this, in the non-linear resistance increase within nanotubes with few defects. Ambipolar transistor behavior was measured in a p-type single-walled nanotube circuit that showed electron injection across the Schottky junction at high positive bias. We have also studied multi-walled carbon nanotube circuits using scanning potential microscopy, and found that a back gate potential can vary the resistance of the channel. Vertical nanotube arrays, suitable for interconnects, were also measured. These hollow multi-walled nanotube channels were about 45 nm in diameter, and 50 mum in length, fabricated in an anodized alumina template. We found that these structures could

Manufacturing High-Quality Carbon Nanotubes at Lower Cost

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benavides, Jeanette M.; Lidecker, Henning

2004-01-01

A modified electric-arc welding process has been developed for manufacturing high-quality batches of carbon nanotubes at relatively low cost. Unlike in some other processes for making carbon nanotubes, metal catalysts are not used and, consequently, it is not necessary to perform extensive cleaning and purification. Also, unlike some other processes, this process is carried out at atmospheric pressure under a hood instead of in a closed, pressurized chamber; as a result, the present process can be implemented more easily. Although the present welding-based process includes an electric arc, it differs from a prior electric-arc nanotube-production process. The welding equipment used in this process includes an AC/DC welding power source with an integral helium-gas delivery system and circulating water for cooling an assembly that holds one of the welding electrodes (in this case, the anode). The cathode is a hollow carbon (optionally, graphite) rod having an outside diameter of 2 in. (approximately equal to 5.1 cm) and an inside diameter of 5/8 in. (approximately equal to 1.6 cm). The cathode is partly immersed in a water bath, such that it protrudes about 2 in. (about 5.1 cm) above the surface of the water. The bottom end of the cathode is held underwater by a clamp, to which is connected the grounding cable of the welding power source. The anode is a carbon rod 1/8 in. (approximately equal to 0.3 cm) in diameter. The assembly that holds the anode includes a thumbknob- driven mechanism for controlling the height of the anode. A small hood is placed over the anode to direct a flow of helium downward from the anode to the cathode during the welding process. A bell-shaped exhaust hood collects the helium and other gases from the process. During the process, as the anode is consumed, the height of the anode is adjusted to maintain an anode-to-cathode gap of 1 mm. The arc-welding process is continued until the upper end of the anode has been lowered to a specified height

Multi-Scale Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of High Carbon Eutectic Tantalum Carbide Reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-02

more effective grain growth inhibitors. Transverse Rupture Strength of TaC reinforced with shorter CNTs displayed highest strength/density ratio with...microstructural features. 6. Strength to density ratio of CNT reinforced TaC increased from 17 to 28, which is an increase of ~ 65%. 7. Oxidation behavior of... reinforced with carbon fibers for space applications [15,16]. In recent years, Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) also known as Electric Field Assisted Sintering

Experimental stress analysis of large plastic deformations in a hollow sphere deformed by impact against a concrete block

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, R. E.

1973-01-01

An experimental plastic strain measurement system is presented for use on the surface of high velocity impact test models. The system was used on a hollow sphere tested in impact against a reinforced concrete block. True strains, deviatoric stresses, and true stresses were calculated from experimental measurements. The maximum strain measured in the model was small compared to the true failure strain obtained from static tensile tests of model material. This fact suggests that a much greater impact velocity would be required to cause failure of the model shell structure.

Inorganic nanotubes.

PubMed

Tenne, Reshef; Rao, C N R

2004-10-15

Following the discovery of carbon fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, it was hypothesized that nanoparticles of inorganic compounds with layered (two-dimensional) structure, such as MoS(2), will not be stable against folding and form nanotubes and fullerene-like structures: IF. The synthesis of numerous other inorganic nanotubes has been reported in recent years. Various techniques for the synthesis of inorganic nanotubes, including high-temperature reactions and strategies based on 'chemie douce' (soft chemistry, i.e. low-temperature) processes, are described. First-principle, density functional theory based calculations are able to provide substantial information on the structure and properties of such nanotubes. Various properties of inorganic nanotubes, including mechanical, electronic and optical properties, are described in brief. Some potential applications of the nanotubes in tribology, protection against impact, (photo)catalysis, batteries, etc., are discussed.

Hyperbranched polyglycerol/graphene oxide nanocomposite reinforced hollow fiber solid/liquid phase microextraction for measurement of ibuprofen and naproxen in hair and waste water samples.

PubMed

Rezaeifar, Zohreh; Es'haghi, Zarrin; Rounaghi, Gholam Hossein; Chamsaz, Mahmoud

2016-09-01

A new design of hyperbranched polyglycerol/graphene oxide nanocomposite reinforced hollow fiber solid/liquid phase microextraction (HBP/GO -HF-SLPME) coupled with high performance liquid chromatography used for extraction and determination of ibuprofen and naproxen in hair and waste water samples. The graphene oxide first synthesized from graphite powders by using modified Hummers approach. The surface of graphene oxide was modified using hyperbranched polyglycerol, through direct polycondensation with thionyl chloride. The ready nanocomposite later wetted by a few microliter of an organic solvent (1-octanol), and then applied to extract the target analytes in direct immersion sampling mode.After the extraction process, the analytes were desorbed with methanol, and then detected via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The experimental setup is very simple and highly affordable. The main factors influencing extraction such as; feed pH, extraction time, aqueous feed volume, agitation speed, the amount of functionalized graphene oxide and the desorption conditions have been examined in detail. Under the optimized experimental conditions, linearity was observed in the range of 5-30,000ngmL(-1) for ibuprofen and 2-10,000ngmL(-1) for naproxen with correlation coefficients of 0.9968 and 0.9925, respectively. The limits of detection were 2.95ngmL(-1) for ibuprofen and 1.51ngmL(-1) for naproxen. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were found to be less than 5% (n=5). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hollow nanocrystals and method of making

DOEpatents

Alivisatos, A Paul [Oakland, CA; Yin, Yadong [Moreno Valley, CA; Erdonmez, Can Kerem [Berkeley, CA

2011-07-05

Described herein are hollow nanocrystals having various shapes that can be produced by a simple chemical process. The hollow nanocrystals described herein may have a shell as thin as 0.5 nm and outside diameters that can be controlled by the process of making.

Formation of Uniform Hollow Silica microcapsules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Huan; Kim, Chanjoong

2012-02-01

Microcapsules are small containers with diameters in the range of 0.1 -- 100 μm. Mesoporous microcapsules with hollow morphologies possess unique properties such as low-density and high encapsulation capacity, while allowing controlled release by permeating substances with a specific size and chemistry. Our process is a one-step fabrication of monodisperse hollow silica capsules with a hierarchical pore structure and high size uniformity using double emulsion templates obtained by the glass-capillary microfluidic technique to encapsulate various active ingredients. These hollow silica microcapsules can be used as biomedical applications such as drug delivery and controlled release.

Formation of Uniform Hollow Silica microcapsules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Huan; Kim, Chanjoong

2013-03-01

Microcapsules are small containers with diameters in the range of 0.1 - 100 μm. Mesoporous microcapsules with hollow morphologies possess unique properties such as low-density and high encapsulation capacity, while allowing controlled release by permeating substances with a specific size and chemistry. Our process is a one-step fabrication of monodisperse hollow silica capsules with a hierarchical pore structure and high size uniformity using double emulsion templates obtained by the glass-capillary microfluidic technique to encapsulate various active ingredients. These hollow silica microcapsules can be used as biomedical applications such as drug delivery and controlled release.

Microring embedded hollow polymer fiber laser

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Linslal, C. L., E-mail: linslal@gmail.com; Sebastian, S.; Mathew, S.

2015-03-30

Strongly modulated laser emission has been observed from rhodamine B doped microring resonator embedded in a hollow polymer optical fiber by transverse optical pumping. The microring resonator is fabricated on the inner wall of a hollow polymer fiber. Highly sharp lasing lines, strong mode selection, and a collimated laser beam are observed from the fiber. Nearly single mode lasing with a side mode suppression ratio of up to 11.8 dB is obtained from the strongly modulated lasing spectrum. The microring embedded hollow polymer fiber laser has shown efficient lasing characteristics even at a propagation length of 1.5 m.

Electrochemical system and method for electropolishing hollow metal bodies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taylor, E. Jennings; Inman, Maria E.; Hall, Timothy

A method and system for electrochemically machining a hollow body of a metal or a metal alloy. An electrode is positioned within a hollow body including a metal or metal alloy, where the hollow body has a variable internal diameter. The hollow body is oriented vertically, with the electrode oriented vertically therein. The hollow body is at least partially filled with an aqueous, acidic electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution being devoid of hydrofluoric acid and having a viscosity less than 15 cP. An electric current is passed between the hollow body and the electrode, where the electric current includes amore » plurality of anodic pulses and a plurality of cathodic pulses, and where the cathodic pulses are interposed between at least some of the anodic pulses.« less

Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Production by the Arc Process: A Parametric Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, Carl D.; Gorelik, Olga; Proft, William J.

2000-01-01

Single wall carbon nanotubes are produced using the arc discharge process. Graphite anodes are filled with a mixture of nickel and yttrium metallic powders, then vaporized by creating a high current arc. By varying the current, gap distance, and ambient pressure it is shown that the best yield of single wall carbon nanotubes is obtained within a narrow range of conditions. The relative yield and purity of the product are indicated semi-quantitatively from scanning electric microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Two types of anodes have been investigated. The first is hollow and filled with a powder mixture of graphite, nickel and yttrium. The second is filled with a paste made of a mixture of metal nitrates, graphite powder and carbon adhesive, then reduced in an argon atmosphere at high temperature. Product purity and yield will be compared for the two types of anodes. The graphite in the anodes may have hydrogen attached in the pores. To remove this impurity anodes have been baked up to 1400 - 1500 C. The effect of baking the anodes on impurities in the product will be given.

Supramolecular organization of pi-conjugated molecules monitored by single-walled carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarez, Laurent; Almadori, Yann; Belhboub, Anouar; Le Parc, Rozenn; Aznar, Raymond; Dieudonné-George, Philippe; Rahmani, Abdelali; Hermet, Patrick; Fossard, Frédéric; Loiseau, Annick; Jousselme, Bruno; Campidelli, Stéphane; Saito, Takeshi; Wang, Guillaume; Bantignies, Jean-Louis

2016-03-01

Photoactive pi-conjugated molecules (quaterthiophene and phthalocyanine) are either encapsulated into the hollow core of single-walled carbon nanotubes or noncovalently stacked at their outer surface in order to elaborate hybrid nanosystems with new physical properties, providing practical routes to fit different requirements for potential applications. We are interested in the relationship between the structure and the optoelectronic properties. The structural properties are investigated mainly by x-ray diffraction and/or transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. We show that the supramolecular organizations of confined quaterthiophenes depend on the nanocontainer size, whereas phthalocyanine encapsulation leads to the formation of a one-dimensional phase for which the angle between the molecule ring and the nanotube axis is close to 32 deg. Confined phthalocyanine molecules display Raman spectra hardly altered with respect to the bulk phase, suggesting a rather weak interaction with the tubes. In contrast, the vibrational properties of the molecules stacked at the outer surface of tubes display important modifications. We assume a significant curvature of the phthalocyanine induced by the interaction with the tube walls and a change of the central atom position within the molecular ring, in good agreement with our density functional theory calculations.

Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on melting temperature and microstructural evolution of Pb-free Sn-5Sb/Cu solder joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dele-Afolabi, T. T.; Azmah Hanim, M. A.; Norkhairunnisa, M.; Suraya, M. T.; Yusoff, H. M.

2017-09-01

In this study, the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the melting temperature and microstructural evolution of the Sn-5Sb/Cu joints are evaluated. Plain and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced Sn-5Sb solder systems with solder formulations Sn-5Sb, Sn-5Sb-0.01CNT, Sn-5Sb-0.05CNT and Sn-5Sb-0.1CNT were prepared through the powder metallurgy route and thereafter samples were subjected to thermal and microstructural evaluation. As retrieved from the DSC scans, a slight decline in the peak temperature was observed in the composite solders which is indicative of the CNTs role in exciting surface instability in the host Sn matrix. In order to prepare the solder joints and analyze the interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) evolution, respective solder systems were placed on copper (Cu) substrate and subjected to both reflow soldering and isothermal aging (170°C) conditions. From the IMC thickness result, considerable retardation in the IMC layer growth was observed in the CNTs reinforced solder joints, especially the 0.05wt.% CNTs solder system owing to the inhibition of Sn atoms diffusion by reinforcement material.

Nanotube junctions

DOEpatents

Crespi, Vincent Henry; Cohen, Marvin Lou; Louie, Steven Gwon; Zettl, Alexander Karlwalte

2004-12-28

The present invention comprises a new nanoscale metal-semiconductor, semiconductor-semiconductor, or metal-metal junction, designed by introducing topological or chemical defects in the atomic structure of the nanotube. Nanotubes comprising adjacent sections having differing electrical properties are described. These nanotubes can be constructed from combinations of carbon, boron, nitrogen and other elements. The nanotube can be designed having different indices on either side of a junction point in a continuous tube so that the electrical properties on either side of the junction vary in a useful fashion. For example, the inventive nanotube may be electrically conducting on one side of a junction and semiconducting on the other side. An example of a semiconductor-metal junction is a Schottky barrier. Alternatively, the nanotube may exhibit different semiconductor properties on either side of the junction. Nanotubes containing heterojunctions, Schottky barriers, and metal-metal junctions are useful for microcircuitry.

Nanotube junctions

DOEpatents

Crespi, Vincent Henry; Cohen, Marvin Lou; Louie, Steven Gwon Sheng; Zettl, Alexander Karlwalter

2003-01-01

The present invention comprises a new nanoscale metal-semiconductor, semiconductor-semiconductor, or metal-metal junction, designed by introducing topological or chemical defects in the atomic structure of the nanotube. Nanotubes comprising adjacent sections having differing electrical properties are described. These nanotubes can be constructed from combinations of carbon, boron, nitrogen and other elements. The nanotube can be designed having different indices on either side of a junction point in a continuous tube so that the electrical properties on either side of the junction vary in a useful fashion. For example, the inventive nanotube may be electrically conducting on one side of a junction and semiconducting on the other side. An example of a semiconductor-metal junction is a Schottky barrier. Alternatively, the nanotube may exhibit different semiconductor properties on either side of the junction. Nanotubes containing heterojunctions, Schottky barriers, and metal-metal junctions are useful for microcircuitry.

Finite Element Modeling of Tensile Deformation Behaviors of Iron Syntactic Foam with Hollow Glass Microspheres

PubMed Central

Cho, Yi Je; Lee, Wookjin; Park, Yong Ho

2017-01-01

The elastoplastic deformation behaviors of hollow glass microspheres/iron syntactic foam under tension were modeled using a representative volume element (RVE) approach. The three-dimensional microstructures of the iron syntactic foam with 5 wt % glass microspheres were reconstructed using the random sequential adsorption algorithm. The constitutive behavior of the elastoplasticity in the iron matrix and the elastic-brittle failure for the glass microsphere were simulated in the models. An appropriate RVE size was statistically determined by evaluating elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and yield strength in terms of model sizes and boundary conditions. The model was validated by the agreement with experimental findings. The tensile deformation mechanism of the syntactic foam considering the fracture of the microspheres was then investigated. In addition, the feasibility of introducing the interfacial deboning behavior to the proposed model was briefly investigated to improve the accuracy in depicting fracture behaviors of the syntactic foam. It is thought that the modeling techniques and the model itself have major potential for applications not only in the study of hollow glass microspheres/iron syntactic foams, but also for the design of composites with a high modulus matrix and high strength reinforcement. PMID:29048346

Hollow nanotubular toroidal polymer microrings.

PubMed

Lee, Jiyeong; Baek, Kangkyun; Kim, Myungjin; Yun, Gyeongwon; Ko, Young Ho; Lee, Nam-Suk; Hwang, Ilha; Kim, Jeehong; Natarajan, Ramalingam; Park, Chan Gyung; Sung, Wokyung; Kim, Kimoon

2014-02-01

Despite the remarkable progress made in the self-assembly of nano- and microscale architectures with well-defined sizes and shapes, a self-organization-based synthesis of hollow toroids has, so far, proved to be elusive. Here, we report the synthesis of polymer microrings made from rectangular, flat and rigid-core monomers with anisotropically predisposed alkene groups, which are crosslinked with each other by dithiol linkers using thiol-ene photopolymerization. The resulting hollow toroidal structures are shape-persistent and mechanically robust in solution. In addition, their size can be tuned by controlling the initial monomer concentrations, an observation that is supported by a theoretical analysis. These hollow microrings can encapsulate guest molecules in the intratoroidal nanospace, and their peripheries can act as templates for circular arrays of metal nanoparticles.

Hollow spheres: crucial building blocks for novel nanostructures and nanophotonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Kuo; Song, Kai; Clays, Koen

2018-03-01

In this review, we summarize the latest developments in research specifically derived from the unique properties of hollow microspheres, in particular, hollow silica spheres with uniform shells. We focus on applications in nanosphere (colloidal) lithography and nanophotonics. The lithography from a layer of hollow spheres can result in nanorings, from a multilayer in unique nano-architecture. In nanophotonics, disordered hollow spheres can result in antireflection coatings, while ordered colloidal crystals (CCs) of hollow spheres exhibit unique refractive index enhancement upon infiltration, ideal for optical sensing. Furthermore, whispering gallery mode (WGM) inside the shell of hollow spheres has also been demonstrated to enhance light absorption to improve the performance of solar cells. These applications differ from the classical applications of hollow spheres, based only on their low density and large surface area, such as catalysis and chemical sensing. We provide a brief overview of the synthesis and self-assembly approaches of the hollow spheres. We elaborate on their unique optical features leading to defect mode lasing, optomicrofluidics, and the existence of WGMs inside shell for light management. Finally, we provide a perspective on the direction towards which future research relevant to hollow spheres might be directed.

Plasma-Sprayed Titania and Alumina Coatings Obtained from Feedstocks Prepared by Heterocoagulation with 1 wt.% Carbon Nanotube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jambagi, Sudhakar C.; Agarwal, Anish; Sarkar, Nilmoni; Bandyopadhyay, P. P.

2018-05-01

Properties of plasma-sprayed ceramic coatings can be improved significantly by reinforcing such coatings with carbon nanotube (CNT). However, it is difficult to disperse CNT in the plasma spray feedstock owing to its tendency to form agglomerate. A colloidal processing technique, namely heterocoagulation, is effective in bringing about unbundling of CNT, followed by its homogeneous dispersion in the ceramic powder. This report deals with the mixing of micro-sized crushed titania and agglomerated alumina powders with CNT using the heterocoagulation technique. Heterocoagulation of titania was attempted with both cationic and anionic surfactants, and the latter was found to be more effective. Mixing of the oxides and carbon nanotube was also accomplished in a ball mill either in a dry condition or in alcohol, and powders thus obtained were compared with the heterocoagulated powder. The heterocoagulated powder has shown a more homogeneous dispersion of CNT in the oxide. The coatings produced from the heterocoagulated powder demonstrated improvement in hardness, porosity, indentation fracture toughness and elastic modulus. This is attributed to CNT reinforcement.

Ensuring near-optimum homogeneity and densification levels in nano-reinforced ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dassios, Konstantinos G.; Barkoula, Nektaria-Marianthi; Alafogianni, Panagiota; Bonnefont, Guillaume; Fantozzi, Gilbert; Matikas, Theodore E.

2016-04-01

The development of a new generation of high temperature ceramic materials for aerospace applications, reinforced at a scale closer to the molecular level and three orders of magnitude less than conventional fibrous reinforcements, by embedded carbon nanotubes, has recently emerged as a uniquely challenging scientific effort. The properties of such materials depend strongly on two main factors: i) the homogeneity of the dispersion of the hydrophobic medium throughout the ceramic volume and ii) the ultimate density of the resultant product after sintering of the green body at the high-temperatures and pressures required for ceramic consolidation. The present works reports the establishment of two independent experimental strategies which ensure achievement of near perfect levels of tube dispersion homogeneity and fully dense final products. The proposed methodologies are validated across non-destructive evaluation data of materials performance.

SPRUCE Hollow Elevation Data for Experimental Plots Beginning in 2015

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Griffiths, N. A.; Sebestyen, S. D.

2017-01-01

This data set provides hollow elevation data for the 17 SPRUCE experimental plots in the S1 bog on the Marcell Experimental Forest. Hollows were selected for measurement by walking along each octagonal boardwalk segment in a plot and identifying where a hollow intersected the boardwalk. The vertical distance between the surface of the boardwalk (with a known elevation) and the surface of the hollow was measured and the absolute elevation (in meters amsl) of the hollow surface was calculated. The hollow elevation measurements were carried out in October 2015, May 2016, and October 2016. These measurements will be repeated annuallymore » or more frequently.« less

An alternative theoretical model for an anomalous hollow beam.

PubMed

Cai, Yangjian; Wang, Zhaoying; Lin, Qiang

2008-09-15

An alternative and convenient theoretical model is proposed to describe a flexible anomalous hollow beam of elliptical symmetry with an elliptical solid core, which was observed in experiment recently (Phys. Rev. Lett, 94 (2005) 134802). In this model, the electric field of anomalous hollow beam is expressed as a finite sum of elliptical Gaussian modes. Flattopped beams, dark hollow beams and Gaussian beams are special cases of our model. Analytical propagation formulae for coherent and partially coherent anomalous hollow beams passing through astigmatic ABCD optical systems are derived. Some numerical examples are calculated to show the propagation and focusing properties of coherent and partially coherent anomalous hollow beams.

High Kinetic Energy Penetrator Shielding and High Wear Resistance Materials Fabricated with Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTS) and BNNT Polymer Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kang, Jin Ho (Inventor); Sauti, Godfrey (Inventor); Smith, Michael W. (Inventor); Jordan, Kevin C. (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor); Bryant, Robert George (Inventor); Lowther, Sharon E. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), boron nitride nanoparticles (BNNPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphites, or combinations, are incorporated into matrices of polymer, ceramic or metals. Fibers, yarns, and woven or nonwoven mats of BNNTs are used as toughening layers in penetration resistant materials to maximize energy absorption and/or high hardness layers to rebound or deform penetrators. They can be also used as reinforcing inclusions combining with other polymer matrices to create composite layers like typical reinforcing fibers such as Kevlar.RTM., Spectra.RTM., ceramics and metals. Enhanced wear resistance and usage time are achieved by adding boron nitride nanomaterials, increasing hardness and toughness. Such materials can be used in high temperature environments since the oxidation temperature of BNNTs exceeds 800.degree. C. in air. Boron nitride based composites are useful as strong structural materials for anti-micrometeorite layers for spacecraft and space suits, ultra strong tethers, protective gear, vehicles, helmets, shields and safety suits/helmets for industry.

Shear modulus and damping ratio of natural rubber containing carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, R.; Ibrahim, A.; Rusop, M.; Adnan, A.

2018-05-01

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the potential application of Natural rubber (NR) containing Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) by measuring its shear modulus and damping ratio. Four different types of rubber specimens which fabricated with different MWCNT loadings: 0 wt% (pure natural rubber), 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%. It is observed that the shear modulus and damping ratio of CNTs filled rubber composites are remarkably higher than that of raw rubber indicating the inherent reinforcing potential of CNTs.

Designing Hollow Nano Gold Golf Balls

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Hollow/porous nanoparticles, including nanocarriers, nanoshells, and mesoporous materials have applications in catalysis, photonics, biosensing, and delivery of theranostic agents. Using a hierarchical template synthesis scheme, we have synthesized a nanocarrier mimicking a golf ball, consisting of (i) solid silica core with a pitted gold surface and (ii) a hollow/porous gold shell without silica. The template consisted of 100 nm polystyrene beads attached to a larger silica core. Selective gold plating of the core followed by removal of the polystyrene beads produced a golf ball-like nanostructure with 100 nm pits. Dissolution of the silica core produced a hollow/porous golf ball-like nanostructure. PMID:24937196

Method for producing small hollow spheres

DOEpatents

Hendricks, C.D.

1979-01-09

Method is disclosed for producing small hollow spheres of glass, metal or plastic, wherein the sphere material is mixed with or contains as part of the composition a blowing agent which decomposes at high temperature (T [approx gt] 600 C). As the temperature is quickly raised, the blowing agent decomposes and the resulting gas expands from within, thus forming a hollow sphere of controllable thickness. The thus produced hollow spheres (20 to 10[sup 3] [mu]m) have a variety of application, and are particularly useful in the fabrication of targets for laser implosion such as neutron sources, laser fusion physics studies, and laser initiated fusion power plants. 1 fig.

Method for producing small hollow spheres

DOEpatents

Hendricks, Charles D. [Livermore, CA

1979-01-09

Method for producing small hollow spheres of glass, metal or plastic, wherein the sphere material is mixed with or contains as part of the composition a blowing agent which decomposes at high temperature (T .gtorsim. 600.degree. C). As the temperature is quickly raised, the blowing agent decomposes and the resulting gas expands from within, thus forming a hollow sphere of controllable thickness. The thus produced hollow spheres (20 to 10.sup.3 .mu.m) have a variety of application, and are particularly useful in the fabrication of targets for laser implosion such as neutron sources, laser fusion physics studies, and laser initiated fusion power plants.

Composite material hollow antiresonant fibers.

PubMed

Belardi, Walter; De Lucia, Francesco; Poletti, Francesco; Sazio, Pier J

2017-07-01

We study novel designs of hollow-core antiresonant fibers comprising multiple materials in their core-boundary membrane. We show that these types of fibers still satisfy an antiresonance condition and compare their properties to those of an ideal single-material fiber with an equivalent thickness and refractive index. As a practical consequence of this concept, we discuss the first realization and characterization of a composite silicon/glass-based hollow antiresonant fiber.

Nanotube Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McEuen, Paul L.

2002-01-01

Under this project, we explored the feasibility of utilizing carbon nanotubes in sensing applications. The grant primarily supported a graduate student, who worked on a number of aspects of the electrical properties of carbon nanotubes in collaboration with other researchers in my group. The two major research accomplishments are described below. The first accomplishment is the demonstration that solution carbon nanotube transistors functioned well in an electrolyte environment. This was important for two reasons. First, it allowed us to explore the ultimate limits of nanotube electronic performance by using the electrolyte as a highly effective gate, with a dielectric constant of approximately 80 and an effective insulator thickness of approximately 1 nm. Second, it showed that nanotubes function well under biologically relevant conditions (salty water) and therefore offer great promise as biological sensors. The second accomplishment was the demonstration that a voltage pulse applied to an AFM tip could be used to electrically cut carbon nanotubes. We also showed that a carefully applied pulse could also 'nick' a nanotube, creating a tunnel barrier without completely breaking the tube. Nicking was employed to make, for example, a quantum dot within a nanotube.

Magnetic and Optical Properties of Submicron-Size Hollow Spheres

PubMed Central

Ye, Quan-Lin; Yoshikawa, Hirofumi; Awaga, Kunio

2010-01-01

Magnetic hollow spheres with a controlled diameter and shell thickness have emerged as an important class of magnetic nanomaterials. The confined hollow geometry and pronouncedly curved surfaces induce unique physical properties different from those of flat thin films and solid counterparts. In this paper, we focus on recent progress on submicron-size spherical hollow magnets (e.g., cobalt- and iron-based materials), and discuss the effects of the hollow shape and the submicron size on magnetic and optical properties.

Method of making a non-lead hollow point bullet

DOEpatents

Vaughn, Norman L.; Lowden, Richard A.

2003-10-07

The method of making a non-lead hollow point bullet has the steps of a) compressing an unsintered powdered metal composite core into a jacket, b) punching a hollow cavity tip portion into the core, c) seating an insert, the insert having a hollow point tip and a tail protrusion, on top of the core such that the tail protrusion couples with the hollow cavity tip portion, and d) swaging the open tip of the jacket.

Microwave-Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis of VO2 Hollow Spheres and Their Conversion into V2O5 Hollow Spheres with Improved Lithium Storage Capability.

PubMed

Pan, Jing; Zhong, Li; Li, Ming; Luo, Yuanyuan; Li, Guanghai

2016-01-22

Monodispersed hierarchically structured V2O5 hollow spheres were successfully obtained from orthorhombic VO2 hollow spheres, which are in turn synthesized by a simple template-free microwave-assisted solvothermal method. The structural evolution of VO2 hollow spheres has been studied and explained by a chemically induced self-transformation process. The reaction time and water content in the reaction solution have a great influence on the morphology and phase structure of the resulting products in the solvothermal reaction. The diameter of the VO2 hollow spheres can be regulated simply by changing vanadium ion content in the reaction solution. The VO2 hollow spheres can be transformed into V2O5 hollow spheres with nearly no morphological change by annealing in air. The nanorods composed of V2O5 hollow spheres have an average length of about 70 nm and width of about 19 nm. When used as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, the V2O5 hollow spheres display a diameter-dependent electrochemical performance, and the 440 nm hollow spheres show the highest specific discharge capacity of 377.5 mAhg(-1) at a current density of 50 mAg(-1) , and are better than the corresponding solid spheres and nanorod assemblies. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Studies on Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Poly (trimethylene Terephthalate) Nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Anju; Manocha, L. M.; Choudhory, V.

2008-08-01

Poly (trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) nanocomposites with multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been prepared by a simple melt compounding using DMS microcompounder. The non-isothermal melt crystallization behavior of PTT in the presence of varying amounts of MWCNTs was investigated using DSC technique. An increase in crystallization temperature was observed upon incorporation of 0.1% MWCNTs thus indicating that CNTs act as nucleating agents. Percentage crystallinity as determined by WAXD also showed an increase upon incorporation of small amounts (0.5% w/w) of CNTs. The electrical conductivity of nanocomposites increased upon incorporation of MWCNTs and percolation was obtained at a loading in the range of 1-2% (w/w). Morphological characterization by SEM showed a uniform distribution of MWCNTs in PTT matrix.

Functional materials based on carbon nanotubes: Carbon nanotube actuators and noncovalent carbon nanotube modification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fifield, Leonard S.

Carbon nanotubes have attractive inherent properties that encourage the development of new functional materials and devices based on them. The use of single wall carbon nanotubes as electromechanical actuators takes advantage of the high mechanical strength, surface area and electrical conductivity intrinsic to these molecules. The work presented here investigates the mechanisms that have been discovered for actuation of carbon nanotube paper: electrostatic, quantum chemical charge injection, pneumatic and viscoelastic. A home-built apparatus for the measurement of actuation strain is developed and utilized in the investigation. An optical fiber switch, the first demonstrated macro-scale device based on the actuation of carbon nanotubes, is described and its performance evaluated. Also presented here is a new general process designed to modify the surface of carbon nanotubes in a non-covalent, non-destructive way. This method can be used to impart new functionalities to carbon nanotube samples for a variety of applications including sensing, solar energy conversion and chemical separation. The process described involves the achievement of large degrees of graphitic surface coverage with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons through the use of supercritical fluids. These molecules are bifunctional agents that anchor a desired chemical group to the aromatic surface of the carbon nanotubes without adversely disrupting the conjugated backbone that gives rise the attractive electronic and physical properties of the nanotubes. Both the nanotube functionalization work and the actuator work presented here emphasize how an understanding and control of nanoscale structure and phenomena can be of vital importance in achieving desired performance for active materials. Opportunities for new devices with improved function over current state-of-the-art can be envisioned and anticipated based on this understanding and control.

Energy efficient engine shroudless, hollow fan blade technology report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Michael, C. J.

1981-01-01

The Shroudless, Hollow Fan Blade Technology program was structured to support the design, fabrication, and subsequent evaluation of advanced hollow and shroudless blades for the Energy Efficient Engine fan component. Rockwell International was initially selected to produce hollow airfoil specimens employing the superplastic forming/diffusion bonding (SPF/DB) fabrication technique. Rockwell demonstrated that a titanium hollow structure could be fabricated utilizing SPF/DB manufacturing methods. However, some problems such as sharp internal cavity radii and unsatisfactory secondary bonding of the edge and root details prevented production of the required quantity of fatigue test specimens. Subsequently, TRW was selected to (1) produce hollow airfoil test specimens utilizing a laminate-core/hot isostatic press/diffusion bond approach, and (2) manufacture full-size hollow prototype fan blades utilizing the technology that evolved from the specimen fabrication effort. TRW established elements of blade design and defined laminate-core/hot isostatic press/diffusion bonding fabrication techniques to produce test specimens. This fabrication technology was utilized to produce full size hollow fan blades in which the HIP'ed parts were cambered/twisted/isothermally forged, finish machined, and delivered to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and NASA for further evaluation.

Developments in Hollow Graphite Fiber Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stallcup, Michael; Brantley, Lott W., Jr. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Hollow graphite fibers will be lighter than standard solid graphite fibers and, thus, will save weight in optical components. This program will optimize the processing and properties of hollow carbon fibers developed by MER and to scale-up the processing to produce sufficient fiber for fabricating a large ultra-lightweight mirror for delivery to NASA.

Damage Tolerance Enhancement of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites by Nanoreinforcement of Matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fenner, Joel Stewart

Nanocomposites are a relatively new class of materials which incorporate exotic, engineered nanoparticles to achieve superior material properties. Because of their extremely small size and well-ordered structure, many nanoparticles possess properties that exceed those offered by a wide range of other known materials, making them attractive candidates for novel materials engineering development. Their small size is also an impediment to their practical use, as they typically cannot be employed by themselves to realize those properties in large structures. Furthermore, nanoparticles typically possess strong self-affinity, rendering them difficult to disperse uniformly into a composite. However, contemporary research has shown that, if well-dispersed, nanoparticles have great capacity to improve the mechanical properties of composites, especially damage tolerance, in the form of fracture toughness, fatigue life, and impact damage mitigation. This research focuses on the development, manufacturing, and testing of hybrid micro/nanocomposites comprised of woven carbon fibers with a carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy matrix. Material processing consisted of dispersant-and-sonication based methods to disperse nanotubes into the matrix, and a vacuum-assisted wet lay-up process to prepare the hybrid composite laminates. Various damage tolerance properties of the hybrid composite were examined, including static strength, fracture toughness, fatigue life, fatigue crack growth rate, and impact damage behavior, and compared with similarly-processed reference material produced without nanoreinforcement. Significant improvements were obtained in interlaminar shear strength (15%), Mode-I fracture toughness (180%), shear fatigue life (order of magnitude), Mode-I fatigue crack growth rate (factor of 2), and effective impact damage toughness (40%). Observations by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and ultrasonic imaging showed significant differences in failure behavior

A 200 W Hall thruster with hollow indented anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Yongjie; Sun, Hezhi; Wei, Liqiu; Li, Peng; Su, Hongbo; Peng, Wuji; Yu, Daren

2017-10-01

A hollow indented anode is proposed for increasing the neutral gas density in a discharge channel, in order to improve the performance of the thruster. The experimental results show that a hollow indented anode structure can effectively improve the performance, compared to a hollow straight anode under similar operating conditions, in terms of thrust, propellant utilization, ionization rate, and anode efficiency. Furthermore, simulations show that the indented anode can effectively increase the neutral gas density in a discharge channel and on the centerline of the channel, compared to a hollow straight anode. In addition, it can increase the ionization rate in the channel and the pre-ionization in the anode. Therefore, the hollow indented anode could be considered as an important design idea for improving thruster performance.

Radio Frequency Plasma Synthesis of Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs) for Structural Applications: Part I

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hales, Stephen J.; Alexa, Joel A.; Jensen, Brian J.; Thomsen, Donald L.

2016-01-01

It is evident that nanotubes, such as carbon, boron nitride and even silicon, offer great potential for many aerospace applications. The opportunity exists to harness the extremely high strength and stiffness exhibited by high-purity, low-defect nanotubes in structural materials. Even though the technology associated with carbon nanotube (CNT) development is mature, the mechanical property benefits have yet to be fully realized. Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) offer similar structural benefits, but exhibit superior chemical and thermal stability. A broader range of potential structural applications results, particularly as reinforcing agents for metal- and ceramic- based composites. However, synthesis of BNNTs is more challenging than CNTs mainly because of the higher processing temperatures required, and mass production techniques have yet to emerge. A promising technique is radio frequency plasma spray (RFPS), which is an inductively coupled, very high temperature process. The lack of electrodes and the self- contained, inert gas environment lend themselves to an ultraclean product. It is the aim of this White Paper to survey the state of the art with regard to nano-material production by analyzing the pros and cons of existing methods. The intention is to combine the best concepts and apply the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) RFPS facility to reliably synthesize large quantities of consistent, high-purity BNNTs.

Synthesis of hierarchical Co3O4@NiO core-shell nanotubes with a synergistic catalytic activity for peroxidase mimicking and colorimetric detection of dopamine.

PubMed

Zhu, Yun; Yang, Zezhou; Chi, Maoqiang; Li, Meixuan; Wang, Ce; Lu, Xiaofeng

2018-05-01

Fabrication of core-shell nanostructured catalyst is a promising way for tuning its catalytic performance due to the highly active interface and rich redox properties. In this work, hierarchical Co 3 O 4 @NiO core-shell nanotubes are fabricated by the deposition of NiO shells via a chemical bath treatment using electrospun Co-C composite nanofibers as templates, followed by a calcination process in air. The as-prepared Co 3 O 4 @NiO core-shell nanotubes exhibit a uniform and novel hollow structure with Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles attached to the inner wall of NiO nanotubes and excellent catalytic activity toward the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H 2 O 2 . Due to the synergistic effect, the peroxidase-like activity of the Co 3 O 4 @NiO core-shell nanotubes is much higher than that of individual Co 3 O 4 and NiO components. Owing to the superior peroxidase-like activity, a simple and rapid colorimetric approach for the detection of dopamine with a detection limit of 1.21µM and excellent selectivity has been developed. It is anticipated that the prepared Co 3 O 4 @NiO core-shell nanotubes are promising materials applied for biomedical analysis and environmental monitoring. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An Atomic Lens Using a Focusing Hollow Beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Yong; Yin, Jian-Ping; Wang, Yu-Zhu

2003-05-01

We propose a new method to generate a focused hollow laser beam by using an azimuthally distributed 2pi-phase plate and a convergent thin lens, and calculate the intensity distribution of the focused hollow beam in free propagation space. The relationship between the waist wo of the incident collimated Gaussian beam and the dark spot size of the focused hollow beam at the focal point, and the relationship between the focal length f of the thin lens and the dark spot size are studied respectively. The optical potential of the blue-detuned focused hollow beam for 85Rb atoms is calculated. Our study shows that when the larger waist w of the incident Gaussian beam and the shorter focal length f of the lens are chosen, we can obtain an extremely small dark spot size of the focused hollow beam, which can be used to form an atomic lens with a resolution of several angstroms.

The "House" in Half Hollow Hills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karnilow, Sheldon

2006-01-01

In this article, the author relates how he initiated a systemic improvement to Half Hollow Hills school district when he became its superintendent. He relates that although he came to Half Hollow Hills with a deep understanding of the models of systemic change, he did not bring with him a specific prescriptive plan for improvement. His plan for…

Preparation and Application of Hollow Silica/magnetic Nanocomposite Particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Cheng-Chien; Lin, Jing-Mo; Lin, Chun-Rong; Wang, Sheng-Chang

The hollow silica/cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) magnetic microsphere with amino-groups were successfully prepared via several steps, including preparing the chelating copolymer microparticles as template by soap-free emulsion polymerization, manufacturing the hollow cobalt ferrite magnetic microsphere by in-situ chemical co-precipitation following calcinations, and surface modifying of the hollow magnetic microsphere by 3-aminopropyltrime- thoxysilane via the sol-gel method. The average diameter of polymer microspheres was ca. 200 nm from transmission electron microscope (TEM) measurement. The structure of the hollow magnetic microsphere was characterized by using TEM and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The spinel-type lattice of CoFe2O4 shell layer was identified by using XRD measurement. The diameter of CoFe2O4 crystalline grains ranged from 54.1 nm to 8.5 nm which was estimated by Scherrer's equation. Additionally, the hollow silica/cobalt ferrite microsphere possesses superparamagnetic property after VSM measurement. The result of BET measurement reveals the hollow magnetic microsphere which has large surface areas (123.4m2/g). After glutaraldehyde modified, the maximum value of BSA immobilization capacity of the hollow magnetic microsphere was 33.8 mg/g at pH 5.0 buffer solution. For microwave absorption, when the hollow magnetic microsphere was compounded within epoxy resin, the maximum reflection loss of epoxy resins could reach -35dB at 5.4 GHz with 1.9 mm thickness.

Geometrically nonlinear resonance of higher-order shear deformable functionally graded carbon-nanotube-reinforced composite annular sector plates excited by harmonic transverse loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gholami, Raheb; Ansari, Reza

2018-02-01

This article presents an attempt to study the nonlinear resonance of functionally graded carbon-nanotube-reinforced composite (FG-CNTRC) annular sector plates excited by a uniformly distributed harmonic transverse load. To this purpose, first, the extended rule of mixture including the efficiency parameters is employed to approximately obtain the effective material properties of FG-CNTRC annular sector plates. Then, the focus is on presenting the weak form of discretized mathematical formulation of governing equations based on the variational differential quadrature (VDQ) method and Hamilton's principle. The geometric nonlinearity and shear deformation effects are considered based on the von Kármán assumptions and Reddy's third-order shear deformation plate theory, respectively. The discretization process is performed via the generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method together with numerical differential and integral operators. Then, an efficient multi-step numerical scheme is used to obtain the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the FG-CNTRC annular sector plates near their primary resonance as the frequency-response curve. The accuracy of the present results is first verified and then a parametric study is presented to show the impacts of CNT volume fraction, CNT distribution pattern, geometry of annular sector plate and sector angle on the nonlinear frequency-response curve of FG-CNTRC annular sector plates with different edge supports.

Study of thermal stability of (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxy silane-grafted titanate nanotubes for application as nanofillers in polymers.

PubMed

Plodinec, Milivoj; Gajović, Andreja; Iveković, Damir; Tomašić, Nenad; Zimmermann, Boris; Macan, Jelena; Haramina, Tatjana; Su, D S; Willinger, Marc

2014-10-31

Protonated titanate nanotubes (TiNT-H) were surface-modified with (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxy silane (APTMS) by a novel method suitable for the syntheses of large amounts of materials at a low cost. The usage of prepared nanotubes for polymer reinforcement was studied. Since the thermal stability of the nanofiller was important to preserve its functional properties, its stability was studied by in situ high-temperature measurements. The most thermally stable nanotubes were silanized for 20 min and used for the preparation of epoxy-based nanocomposites. The nanofiller formed smaller (a few hundred nm) and larger (a few μm) aggregates in the polymer matrix, and the amount of aggregates increased as the nanofiller content increased. The APTMS-modified titanate nanotubes bonded well with the epoxy matrix since amine groups on the TiNT's surface can react with an epoxy group to form covalent bonds between the matrix and the nanofiller. A very small addition (0.19-1.52 wt%) of the nanotubes significantly increased the glass transition temperature and the modulus in the rubbery state of the epoxy-based polymer. Smaller nanofiller content leads to a larger increase in these parameters and therefore better dynamic mechanical properties due to the smaller amount of large aggregates. APTMS-modified titanate nanotubes have proven to be a promising nanofiller in epoxy-based nanocomposites.

Effect of reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotubes hybrid nanofillers in mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sa, Kadambinee; Mahakul, Prakash C.; Subramanyam, B. V. R. S.; Raiguru, Jagatpati; Das, Sonali; Alam, Injamul; Mahanandia, Pitamber

2018-03-01

Graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have tremendous interest as reinforcing fillers due to their excellent physical properties. However, their reinforcing effect in polymer matrix is limited due to agglomeration of graphene and CNTs within the polymer matrix. Mechanical properties by the admixture of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and CNTs in Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) prepared by solution mixing method has been investigated. The prepared samples are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The hybrid composite shows improvement in the mechanical properties compared to rGO/PMMA and MWCNTs/PMMA composites due to better interaction between rGO-MWCNTs and polymer matrix.

High Volume Fraction Carbon Nanotube Composites for Aerospace Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siochi, Emilie J.; Kim, Jae-Woo; Sauti, Godfrey; Cano, Roberto J.; Wincheski, Russell A.; Ratcliffe, James G.; Czabaj, Michael; Jensen, Benjamin D.; Wise, Kristopher E.

2015-01-01

Reported nanoscale mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suggest that their use may enable the fabrication of significantly lighter structures for use in space applications. To be useful in the fabrication of large structures, however, their attractive nanoscale properties must be retained as they are scaled up to bulk materials and converted into practically useful forms. Advances in CNT production have significantly increased the quantities available for use in manufacturing processes, but challenges remain with the retention of nanoscale properties in larger assemblies of CNTs. This work summarizes recent progress in producing carbon nanotube composites with tensile properties approaching those of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. These advances were achieved in nanocomposites with CNT content of 70% by weight. The processing methods explored to yield these CNT composite properties will be discussed, as will the characterization and test methods that were developed to provide insight into the factors that contribute to the enhanced tensile properties. Technology maturation was guided by parallel advancements in computational modeling tools that aided in the interpretation of experimental data.

Synthesis of barium-strontium titanate hollow tubes using Kirkendall effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xuncai; Im, SangHyuk; Kim, Jinsoo; Kim, Woo-Sik

2018-02-01

(BaSr)TiO3 hexagonal hollow tubes was fabricated by a solid-state interfacial reaction including a Kirkendall diffusion. Using a co-precipitation and sol-gel process, a core@shell structure of (BaSr)CO3@TiO2 rods were prepared, and then converted to (BaSr)TiO3 hollow tubes at 750 °C. This was a first achievement of single-phase crystal hollow tube. Here, the inner diameter and wall thickness of hollow tube were about 700 nm and 130 nm, respectively. The fabrication of (BaSr)TiO3 hollow tubes was monitored with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to investigate their formation mechanism. The present synthetic approach would provide a new insight into the design and fabrication of hollow architectures of many perovskite oxides.

Hollow porous-wall glass microspheres for hydrogen storage

DOEpatents

Heung, Leung K.; Schumacher, Ray F.; Wicks, George G.

2010-02-23

A porous wall hollow glass microsphere is provided having a diameter range of between 1 to 200 microns, a density of between 1.0 to 2.0 gm/cc, a porous-wall structure having wall openings defining an average pore size of between 10 to 1000 angstroms, and which contains therein a hydrogen storage material. The porous-wall structure facilitates the introduction of a hydrogen storage material into the interior of the porous wall hollow glass microsphere. In this manner, the resulting hollow glass microsphere can provide a membrane for the selective transport of hydrogen through the porous walls of the microsphere, the small pore size preventing gaseous or liquid contaminants from entering the interior of the hollow glass microsphere.

Ion-exchange hollow fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rembaum, A.; Yen, S. P. S.; Klein, E. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

An ion-exchange hollow fiber is prepared by introducing into the wall of the fiber polymerizable liquid monomers, and polymerizing the monomers therein to form solid, insoluble, crosslinked, ion-exchange resin particles which embed in the wall of the fiber. Excess particles blocking the central passage or bore of the fiber are removed by forcing liquid through the fiber. The fibers have high ion-exchange capacity, a practical wall permeability and good mechanical strength even with very thin wall dimensions. Experimental investigation of bundles of ion-exchange hollow fibers attached to a header assembly have shown the fiber to be very efficient in removing counterions from solution.

Hollow tin/chromium whiskers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jing; Vianco, Paul T.; Li, James C. M.

2010-05-01

Tin whiskers have been an engineering challenge for over five decades. The mechanism has not been agreed upon thus far. This experiment aimed to identify a mechanism by applying compressive stresses to a tin film evaporated on silicon substrate with an adhesion layer of chromium in between. A phenomenon was observed in which hollow whiskers grew inside depleted areas. Using focused ion beam, the hollow whiskers were found to contain both tin and chromium. At the bottom of the depleted areas, thin tin/tin oxide film remained over the chromium layer. It indicates that tin transport occurred along the interface between tin and chromium layers.

Ion-exchange hollow fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rembaum, Alan (Inventor); Yen, Shiao-Ping S. (Inventor); Klein, Elias (Inventor)

1980-01-01

An ion-exchange hollow fiber is prepared by introducing into the wall of the fiber polymerizable liquid monomers, and polymerizing the monomers therein to form solid, insoluble, cross-linked, ion-exchange resin particles which embed in the wall of the fiber. Excess particles blocking the central passage or bore of the fiber are removed by forcing liquid through the fiber. The fibers have high ion-exchange capacity, a practical wall permeability and good mechanical strength even with very thin wall dimensions. Experimental investigation of bundles of ion-exchange hollow fibers attached to a header assembly have shown the fiber to be very efficient in removing counterions from solution.

Ion-exchange hollow fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rembaum, Alan (Inventor); Yen, Shiao-Ping S. (Inventor); Klein, Elias (Inventor)

1977-01-01

An ion-exchange hollow fiber is prepared by introducing into the wall of the fiber polymerizable liquid monomers, and polymerizing the monomers therein to form solid, insoluble, cross-linked, ion-exchange resin particles which embed in the wall of the fiber. Excess particles blocking the central passage or bore of the fiber are removed by forcing liquid through the fiber. The fibers have high ion-exchange capacity, a practical wall permeability and good mechanical strength even with very thin wall dimensions. Experimental investigation of bundles of ion-exchange hollow fibers attached to a header assembly have shown the fiber to be very efficient in removing counterions from solution.

New route for hollow materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivaldo-Gómez, C. M.; Ferreira, F. F.; Landi, G. T.; Souza, J. A.

2016-08-01

Hollow micro/nano structures form an important family of functional materials. We have used the thermal oxidation process combined with the passage of electric current during a structural phase transition to disclose a colossal mass diffusion transfer of Ti ions. This combination points to a new route for fabrication of hollow materials. A structural phase transition at high temperature prepares the stage by giving mobility to Ti ions and releasing vacancies to the system. The electric current then drives an inward delocalization of vacancies, condensing into voids, and finally turning into a big hollow. This strong physical phenomenon leading to a colossal mass transfer through ionic diffusion is suggested to be driven by a combination of phase transition and electrical current followed by chemical reaction. We show this phenomenon for Ti leading to TiO2 microtube formation, but we believe that it can be used to other metals undergoing structural phase transition at high temperatures.

Subwavelength dark hollow focus of spirally polarized axisymmetric Bessel-modulated Gaussian beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, X. M.; Zhan, Q. F.; Wang, Q.; Yun, M. J.; Guo, H. M.; Zhuang, S. L.

2011-09-01

Dark hollow focus plays an important role in many optical systems. In this paper, dark hollow focal shaping of spirally polarized axisymmetric Bessel-modulated Gaussian beam is investigated by vector diffraction theory in detail. Results show that the dark hollow focus can be altered considerably by beam parameter and spiral parameter that indicates polarization spiral degree. One dark hollow focus and two dark hollow foci pattern may occur for certain spiral parameter, and the transverse size of dark hollow focus can be less than the diffraction limit size of bright focus. In addition, there may also appear two triangle dark hollow foci that are connected by one dark line focus.

Increasing the Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusivity of Asbestos-Reinforced Laminates Through Modification of their Polymer Matrix with Carbon Nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danilova-Tret'yak, S. M.; Evseeva, L. E.; Tanaeva, S. A.

2014-11-01

Experimental investigations of the thermophysical properties of traditional and modified asbestos-reinforced laminates depending on the type of their carbon nanofiller have been carried out in the range of temperatures from -150 to 150°C. It has been shown that the largest (nearly twofold) increase in the thermal-conductivity and thermal-diffusivity coefficients of the indicated materials is observed when they are modified with a small-scale fraction of a nanofiller (carbon nanotubes). The specific heats of the modified and traditional asbestos-reinforced laminates turned out to be identical, in practice, within the measurement error.

Hollow proppants and a process for their manufacture

DOEpatents

Jones, A.H.; Cutler, R.A.

1985-10-15

Hollow, fine-grained ceramic proppants are less expensive and improve fracture control when compared to conventional proppants (dense alumina, mullite, bauxite, zirconia, etc.). Hollow proppants of the present invention have been fabricated by spray drying, followed by sintering in order to obtain a dense case and a hollow core. These proppants generally have high sphericity and roundness (Krumbein sphericity and roundness greater than 0.8), have diameters on average between 2,250 and 125 [mu]m, depending on proppant size required, and have strength equal to or greater than that of sand. The hollow core, the size of which can be controlled, permits better fracture control in hydraulic fracturing treatments since the proppant can be transported in lower viscosity fluids. Hollow proppants produced at the same cost/weight as conventional proppants also provide for lower costs, since less weight is required to fill the same volume. The fine-grained (preferably less than 5 [mu]m in diameter) ceramic case provides the strength necessary to withstand closure stresses and prevent crushing. 6 figs.

Hollow proppants and a process for their manufacture

DOEpatents

Jones, Arfon H.; Cutler, Raymond A.

1985-01-01

Hollow, fine-grained ceramic proppants are less expensive and improve fracture control when compared to conventional proppants (dense alumina, mullite, bauxite, zirconia, etc.). Hollow proppants of the present invention have been fabricated by spray drying, followed by sintering in order to obtain a dense case and a hollow core. These proppants generally have high sphericity and roundness (Krumbein sphericity and roundness greater than 0.8), have diameters on average between 2250 and 125 .mu.m, depending on proppant size required, and have strength equal to or greater than that of sand. The hollow core, the size of which can be controlled, permits better fracture control in hydraulic fracturing treatments since the proppant can be transported in lower viscosity fluids. Hollow proppants produced at the same cost/weight as conventional proppants also provide for lower costs, since less weight is required to fill the same volume. The fine-grained (preferably less than 5 .mu.m in diameter) ceramic case provides the strength necessary to withstand closure stresses and prevent crushing.

Controllable synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotube framework membranes and capsules.

PubMed

Song, Changsik; Kwon, Taeyun; Han, Jae-Hee; Shandell, Mia; Strano, Michael S

2009-12-01

Controlling the morphology of membrane components at the nanometer scale is central to many next-generation technologies in water purification, gas separation, fuel cell, and nanofiltration applications. Toward this end, we report the covalent assembly of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) into three-dimensional framework materials with intertube pores controllable by adjusting the size of organic linker molecules. The frameworks are fashioned into multilayer membranes possessing linker spacings from 1.7 to 3.0 nm, and the resulting framework films were characterized, including transport properties. Nanoindentation measurements by atomic force microscopy show that the spring constant of the SWNT framework film (22.6 +/- 1.2 N/m) increased by a factor of 2 from the control value (10.4 +/- 0.1 N/m). The flux ratio comparison in a membrane-permeation experiment showed that larger spacer sizes resulted in larger pore structures. This synthetic method was equally efficient on silica microspheres, which could then be etched to create all-SWNT framework, hollow capsules approximately 5 mum in diameter. These hollow capsules are permeable to organic and inorganic reagents, allowing one to form inorganic nanoparticles, for example, that become entrapped within the capsule. The ability to encapsulate functional nanomaterials inside perm-selective SWNT cages and membranes may find applications in new adsorbents, novel catalysts, and drug delivery vehicles.

BOX-DEATH HOLLOW ROADLESS AREA, UTAH.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Weir, Gordon W.; Lane, Michael

1984-01-01

Geologic mapping, geochemical sampling, and a search for prospects and mineralized rock in the Box-Death Hollow Roadless Area, Utah indicate that there is little promise for the occurrence of mineral or energy resources in the area. Additional exploratory drilling by industry seems warranted if wells elsewhere in the region find oil or gas in strata as yet untested in the Box-Death Hollow Roadless Area.

Recent progress in hollow sphere-based electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yan; Chen, Min; Wu, Limin

2016-08-01

Hollow spheres have drawn much attention in the area of energy storage and conversion, especially in high-performance supercapacitors owing to their well-defined morphologies, uniform size, low density and large surface area. And quite some significant breakthroughs have been made in advanced supercapacitor electrode materials with hollow sphere structures. In this review, we summarize and discuss the synthesis and application of hollow spheres with controllable structure and morphology as electrode materials for supercapacitors. First, we briefly introduce the fabrication strategies of hollow spheres for electrode materials. Then, we discuss in detail the recent advances in various hollow sphere-based electrode materials for supercapacitors, including single-shelled, yolk-shelled, urchin-like, double-shelled, multi-shelled, and mesoporous hollow structure-based symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitor devices. We conclude this review with some perspectives on the future research and development of the hollow sphere-based electrode materials.

Recent progress in hollow sphere-based electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zhao, Yan; Chen, Min; Wu, Limin

2016-08-26

Hollow spheres have drawn much attention in the area of energy storage and conversion, especially in high-performance supercapacitors owing to their well-defined morphologies, uniform size, low density and large surface area. And quite some significant breakthroughs have been made in advanced supercapacitor electrode materials with hollow sphere structures. In this review, we summarize and discuss the synthesis and application of hollow spheres with controllable structure and morphology as electrode materials for supercapacitors. First, we briefly introduce the fabrication strategies of hollow spheres for electrode materials. Then, we discuss in detail the recent advances in various hollow sphere-based electrode materials for supercapacitors, including single-shelled, yolk-shelled, urchin-like, double-shelled, multi-shelled, and mesoporous hollow structure-based symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitor devices. We conclude this review with some perspectives on the future research and development of the hollow sphere-based electrode materials.

Carbon nanotube macroelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jialu

In this dissertation, I discuss the application of carbon nanotubes in macroelectronis. Due to the extraordinary electrical properties such as high intrinsic carrier mobility and current-carrying capacity, single wall carbon nanotubes are very desirable for thin-film transistor (TFT) applications such as flat panel display, transparent electronics, as well as flexible and stretchable electronics. Compared with other popular channel material for TFTs, namely amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon and organic materials, nanotube thin-films have the advantages of low-temperature processing compatibility, transparency, and flexibility, as well as high device performance. In order to demonstrate scalable, practical carbon nanotube macroelectroncis, I have developed a platform to fabricate high-density, uniform separated nanotube based thin-film transistors. In addition, many other essential analysis as well as technology components, such as nanotube film density control, purity and diameter dependent semiconducting nanotube electrical performance study, air-stable n-type transistor fabrication, and CMOS integration platform have also been demonstrated. On the basis of the above achievement, I have further demonstrated various kinds of applications including AMOLED display electronics, PMOS and CMOS logic circuits, flexible and transparent electronics. The dissertation is structured as follows. First, chapter 1 gives a brief introduction to the electronic properties of carbon nanotubes, which serves as the background knowledge for the following chapters. In chapter 2, I will present our approach of fabricating wafer-scale uniform semiconducting carbon nanotube thin-film transistors and demonstrate their application in display electronics and logic circuits. Following that, more detailed information about carbon nanotube thin-film transistor based active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays is discussed in chapter 3. And in chapter 4, a technology to

“Synthesis-on” and “synthesis-off” modes of carbon arc operation during synthesis of carbon nanotubes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yatom, Shurik; Selinsky, Rachel S.; Koel, Bruce E.

Arc discharge synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) remains largely uncontrollable, due to incomplete understanding of the synthetic process itself. Here, we show that synthesis of SWCNTs by a carbon arc may not constitute a single continuous process, but may instead consist of two distinct modes. One of these, a “synthesis-on” mode, produces the majority of the nanomaterials. During the synthesis-on mode, proportionally more carbon nanotubes are collected than in another mode, a “synthesis-off” mode. Both synthesis-on and synthesis-off modes for a typical arc configuration, employing a hollow anode filled with a mixture of powdered metal catalyst and graphite, weremore » characterized by using in situ electrical, imaging, and spectroscopic diagnostics, along with ex situ imaging and spectroscopy. The synthesis-on mode duration is rare compared to the total arc run-time, helping to explain the poor selectivity found in the final collected products, a known inadequacy of arc synthesis. Finally, the rarity of the synthesis on mode occurence may be due to the synthesis off mode being more favorable energetically.« less

“Synthesis-on” and “synthesis-off” modes of carbon arc operation during synthesis of carbon nanotubes

DOE PAGES

Yatom, Shurik; Selinsky, Rachel S.; Koel, Bruce E.; ...

2017-09-09

Arc discharge synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) remains largely uncontrollable, due to incomplete understanding of the synthetic process itself. Here, we show that synthesis of SWCNTs by a carbon arc may not constitute a single continuous process, but may instead consist of two distinct modes. One of these, a “synthesis-on” mode, produces the majority of the nanomaterials. During the synthesis-on mode, proportionally more carbon nanotubes are collected than in another mode, a “synthesis-off” mode. Both synthesis-on and synthesis-off modes for a typical arc configuration, employing a hollow anode filled with a mixture of powdered metal catalyst and graphite, weremore » characterized by using in situ electrical, imaging, and spectroscopic diagnostics, along with ex situ imaging and spectroscopy. The synthesis-on mode duration is rare compared to the total arc run-time, helping to explain the poor selectivity found in the final collected products, a known inadequacy of arc synthesis. Finally, the rarity of the synthesis on mode occurence may be due to the synthesis off mode being more favorable energetically.« less

Housing Shortages in Urban Regions: Aggressive Interactions at Tree Hollows in Forest Remnants

PubMed Central

Davis, Adrian; Major, Richard E.; Taylor, Charlotte E.

2013-01-01

Urbanisation typically results in a reduction of hollow-bearing trees and an increase in the density of particularly species, potentially resulting in an increased level of competition as cavity-nesting species compete for a limited resource. To improve understanding of hollow usage between urban cavity-nesting species in Australia, particularly parrots, we investigated how the hollow-using assemblage, visitation rate, diversity and number of interactions varied between hollows within urban remnant forest and continuous forest. Motion-activated video cameras were installed, via roped access to the canopy, and hollow usage was monitored at 61 hollows over a two-year period. Tree hollows within urban remnants had a significantly different assemblage of visitors to those in continuous forest as well as a higher rate of visitation than hollows within continuous forest, with the rainbow lorikeet making significantly more visitations than any other taxa. Hollows within urban remnants were characterised by significantly higher usage rates and significantly more aggressive interactions than hollows within continuous forest, with parrots responsible for almost all interactions. Within urban remnants, high rates of hollow visitation and both interspecific and intraspecific interactions observed at tree hollows suggest the number of available optimal hollows may be limiting. Understanding the usage of urban remnant hollows by wildlife, as well as the role of parrots as a potential flagship for the conservation of tree-hollows, is vital to prevent a decrease in the diversity of urban fauna, particularly as other less competitive species risk being outcompeted by abundant native species. PMID:23555657

Heteroporphyrin nanotubes and composites

DOEpatents

Shelnutt, John A.; Medforth, Craig J.; Wang, Zhongchun

2006-11-07

Heteroporphyrin nanotubes, metal nanostructures, and metal/porphyrin-nanotube composite nanostructures formed using the nanotubes as photocatalysts and structural templates, and the methods for forming the nanotubes and composites.

Heteroporphyrin nanotubes and composites

DOEpatents

Shelnutt, John A [Tijeras, NM; Medforth, Craig J [Winters, CA; Wang, Zhongchun [Albuquerque, NM

2007-05-29

Heteroporphyrin nanotubes, metal nanostructures, and metal/porphyrin-nanotube composite nanostructures formed using the nanotubes as photocatalysts and structural templates, and the methods for forming the nanotubes and composites.

High-rate and long-life lithium-ion battery performance of hierarchically hollow-structured NiCo 2O 4/CNT nanocomposite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Jie; Wu, Jianzhong; Wu, Zexing

In this paper, 3D-transition binary metal oxides have been considered as promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries with improved reversible capacity, structural stability and electronic conductivity compared with single metal oxides. Here, carbon nanotube supported NiCo 2O 4 nanoparticles (NiCo 2O 4/CNT) with 3D hierarchical hollow structure are fabricated via a simple one-pot method. The NiCo 2O 4 nanoparticles with interconnected pores are consists of small nanocrystals. When used as anode material for the lithium-ion battery, NiCo 2O 4/CNT exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance than that of Co 3O 4/CNT and NiO/CNT. Moreover, ultra-high discharge/charge stability was obtained for 4000 cyclesmore » at a current density of 5 A g –1. The superior battery performance of NiCo 2O 4 nanoparticles is probably attributed to the special structural features and physical characteristics, including integrity, hollow structure with interconnected pores, which providing sufficient accommodation for the volume change during charge/discharge process. Besides, the consisting of ultra-small crystals enhanced the utility of active material, and intimate interaction with CNTs improved the electron-transfer rate.« less

High-rate and long-life lithium-ion battery performance of hierarchically hollow-structured NiCo 2O 4/CNT nanocomposite

DOE PAGES

Wang, Jie; Wu, Jianzhong; Wu, Zexing; ...

2017-05-17

In this paper, 3D-transition binary metal oxides have been considered as promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries with improved reversible capacity, structural stability and electronic conductivity compared with single metal oxides. Here, carbon nanotube supported NiCo 2O 4 nanoparticles (NiCo 2O 4/CNT) with 3D hierarchical hollow structure are fabricated via a simple one-pot method. The NiCo 2O 4 nanoparticles with interconnected pores are consists of small nanocrystals. When used as anode material for the lithium-ion battery, NiCo 2O 4/CNT exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance than that of Co 3O 4/CNT and NiO/CNT. Moreover, ultra-high discharge/charge stability was obtained for 4000 cyclesmore » at a current density of 5 A g –1. The superior battery performance of NiCo 2O 4 nanoparticles is probably attributed to the special structural features and physical characteristics, including integrity, hollow structure with interconnected pores, which providing sufficient accommodation for the volume change during charge/discharge process. Besides, the consisting of ultra-small crystals enhanced the utility of active material, and intimate interaction with CNTs improved the electron-transfer rate.« less

Spectral Clustering and Geomorphological Analysis on Mercury Hollows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucchetti, A.; Pajola, M.; Galluzzi, V.; Giacomini, L.; Carli, C.; Cremonese, G.; Marzo, G. A.; Massironi, M.; Roush, T.

2018-05-01

Characterization of hollows located in different craters to understand whether there is a similar trend from a compositional point of view, and whether a possible correlation exists between spectral behavior of hollows and geomorphological units.

Nanotube phonon waveguide

DOEpatents

Chang, Chih-Wei; Zettl, Alexander K.

2013-10-29

Disclosed are methods and devices in which certain types of nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes and boron nitride nanotubes conduct heat with high efficiency and are therefore useful in electronic-type devices.

Plasma and cold sprayed aluminum carbon nanotube composites: Quantification of nanotube distribution and multi-scale mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakshi, Srinivasa Rao

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) could serve as potential reinforcement for metal matrix composites for improved mechanical properties. However dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in the matrix has been a longstanding problem, since they tend to form clusters to minimize their surface area. The aim of this study was to use plasma and cold spraying techniques to synthesize CNT reinforced aluminum composite with improved dispersion and to quantify the degree of CNT dispersion as it influences the mechanical properties. Novel method of spray drying was used to disperse CNTs in Al-12 wt.% Si prealloyed powder, which was used as feedstock for plasma and cold spraying. A new method for quantification of CNT distribution was developed. Two parameters for CNT dispersion quantification, namely Dispersion parameter (DP) and Clustering Parameter (CP) have been proposed based on the image analysis and distance between the centers of CNTs. Nanomechanical properties were correlated with the dispersion of CNTs in the microstructure. Coating microstructure evolution has been discussed in terms of splat formation, deformation and damage of CNTs and CNT/matrix interface. Effect of Si and CNT content on the reaction at CNT/matrix interface was thermodynamically and kinetically studied. A pseudo phase diagram was computed which predicts the interfacial carbide for reaction between CNT and Al-Si alloy at processing temperature. Kinetic aspects showed that Al4C3 forms with Al-12 wt.% Si alloy while SiC forms with Al-23wt.% Si alloy. Mechanical properties at nano, micro and macro-scale were evaluated using nanoindentation and nanoscratch, microindentation and bulk tensile testing respectively. Nano and micro-scale mechanical properties (elastic modulus, hardness and yield strength) displayed improvement whereas macro-scale mechanical properties were poor. The inversion of the mechanical properties at different scale length was attributed to the porosity, CNT clustering, CNT-splat adhesion and Al

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/polymer composites in absence and presence of acrylic elastomer (ACM).

PubMed

Kumar, S; Rath, T; Mahaling, R N; Mukherjee, M; Khatua, B B; Das, C K

2009-05-01

Polyetherimide/Multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNTs) nanocomposites containing as-received and modified (COOH-MWNT) carbon nanotubes were prepared through melt process in extruder and then compression molded. Thermal properties of the composites were characterized by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed that the MWNTs were well dispersed and formed an intimate contact with the polymer matrix without any agglomeration. However the incorporation of modified carbon nanotubes formed fascinating, highly crosslinked, and compact network structure throughout the polymer matrix. This showed the increased adhesion of PEI with modified MWNTs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also showed high degree of dispersion of modified MWNTs along with broken ends. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed a marginal increase in storage modulus (E') and glass transition temperature (T(g)) with the addition of MWNTs. Increase in tensile strength and impact strength of composites confirmed the use the MWNTs as possible reinforcement agent. Both thermal and electrical conductivity of composites increased, but effect is more pronounced on modification due to formation of network of carbon nanotubes. Addition of acrylic elastomer to developed PEI/MWNTs (modified) nanocomposites resulted in the further increase in thermal and electrical properties due to the formation of additional bond between MWNTs and acrylic elastomers at the interface. All the results presented are well corroborated by SEM and FESEM studies.

Hollow Nanostructured Anode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Hollow nanostructured anode materials lie at the heart of research relating to Li-ion batteries, which require high capacity, high rate capability, and high safety. The higher capacity and higher rate capability for hollow nanostructured anode materials than that for the bulk counterparts can be attributed to their higher surface area, shorter path length for Li+ transport, and more freedom for volume change, which can reduce the overpotential and allow better reaction kinetics at the electrode surface. In this article, we review recent research activities on hollow nanostructured anode materials for Li-ion batteries, including carbon materials, metals, metal oxides, and their hybrid materials. The major goal of this review is to highlight some recent progresses in using these hollow nanomaterials as anode materials to develop Li-ion batteries with high capacity, high rate capability, and excellent cycling stability. PMID:21076674

Engineering Porous Polymer Hollow Fiber Microfluidic Reactors for Sustainable C-H Functionalization.

PubMed

He, Yingxin; Rezaei, Fateme; Kapila, Shubhender; Rownaghi, Ali A

2017-05-17

Highly hydrophilic and solvent-stable porous polyamide-imide (PAI) hollow fibers were created by cross-linking of bare PAI hollow fibers with 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APS). The APS-grafted PAI hollow fibers were then functionalized with salicylic aldehyde for binding catalytically active Pd(II) ions through a covalent postmodification method. The catalytic activity of the composite hollow fiber microfluidic reactors (Pd(II) immobilized APS-grafted PAI hollow fibers) was tested via heterogeneous Heck coupling reaction of aryl halides under both batch and continuous-flow reactions in polar aprotic solvents at high temperature (120 °C) and low operating pressure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analyses of the starting and recycled composite hollow fibers indicated that the fibers contain very similar loadings of Pd(II), implying no degree of catalyst leaching from the hollow fibers during reaction. The composite hollow fiber microfluidic reactors showed long-term stability and strong control over the leaching of Pd species.

Hollow V(2)O(5) nanoparticles (fullerene-like analogues) prepared by laser ablation.

PubMed

Levi, Roi; Bar-Sadan, Maya; Albu-Yaron, Ana; Popovitz-Biro, Ronit; Houben, Lothar; Shahar, Chen; Enyashin, Andrey; Seifert, Gotthard; Prior, Yehiam; Tenne, Reshef

2010-08-18

Nanoparticles of materials with layered structure are able to spontaneously form closed-cage nanostructures such as nested fullerene-like nanoparticles and nanotubes. This propensity has been demonstrated in a large number of compounds such as WS(2), NiCl(2), and others. Layered metal oxides possess a higher ionic character and consequently are stiffer and cannot be evenly folded. Vanadium pentoxide (V(2)O(5)), a layered metal oxide, has received much attention due to its attractive qualities in numerous applications such as catalysis and electronic and optical devices and as an electrode material for lithium rechargeable batteries. The synthesis by pulsed laser ablation (PLA) of V(2)O(5) hollow nanoparticles, which are closely (nearly) associated with inorganic "fullerene-like" (NIF-V(2)O(5)) nanoparticles, but not quite as perfect, is reported in the present work. The relation between the PLA conditions and the NIF-V(2)O(5) morphology is elucidated. A new mechanism leading to hollow nanostructure via crystallization of lower density amorphous nanoparticles is proposed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used extensively in conjunction with structural modeling of the NIF-V(2)O(5) in order to study the complex 3-D structure of the NIF-V(2)O(5) nanoparticles. This structure was shown to be composed of facets with their low-energy surfaces pointing outward and seamed by defective domains. These understandings are used to formulate a formation mechanism and may improve the function of V(2)O(5) in its many uses through additional morphological control. Furthermore, this study outlines which properties are required from layered compounds to fold into perfectly closed-cage IF nanoparticles.

Static and Dynamic Mechanical Characteristics of Ionic Liquid Modified MWCNT-SBR Composites: Theoretical Perspectives for the Nanoscale Reinforcement Mechanism.

PubMed

Abraham, Jiji; Thomas, Jince; Kalarikkal, Nandakumar; George, Soney C; Thomas, Sabu

2018-02-01

Well-dispersed, robust, mechanicaly long-term stable functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (f-MWCNT)-styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites were fabricated via a melt mixing route with the assistance of ionic liquid as a dispersing agent. The mechanical properties of f-MWCNT/SBR vulcanizates were compared over a range of loadings, and it was found that the network morphology was highly favorable for mechanical performance with enlarged stiffness. A comparative investigation of composite models found that modified Kelly-Tyson theory gave an excellent fit to tensile strength data of the composites considering the effect of the interphase between polymer and f-MWCNT. Dynamic mechanical analysis highlighted the mechanical reinforcement due to the improved filler-polymer interactions which were the consequence of proper dispersion of the nanotubes in the SBR matrix. Effectiveness of filler, entanglement density, and adhesion factor were evaluated to get an in depth understanding of the reinforcing mechanism of modified MWCNT. The amount of polymer chains immobilized by the filler surface computed from dynamic mechanical analysis further supports a substantial boost up in mechanics. The Cole-Cole plot shows an imperfect semicircular curve representing the heterogeneity of the system and moderately worthy filler polymer bonding. The combined results of structural characterizatrion by Raman spectroscopy, cure characteristics, mechanical properties, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) confirm the role of ionic liquid modified MWCNT as a reinforcing agent in the present system.

3-Dimensional Colloidal Crystals From Hollow Spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jian; Work, William J.; Sanyal, Subrata; Lin, Keng-Hui; Yodh, A. G.

2000-03-01

We have succeeded in synthesizing submicron-sized, hollow PMMA spheres and self-assembling them into colloidal crystalline structures using the depletion force. The resulting structures can be used as templates to make high refractive-index contrast, porous, inorganic structures without the need to use calcination or chemical-etching. With the method of emulsion polymerization, we managed to coat a thin PMMA shell around a swellable P(MMA/MAA/EGDMA) core. After neutralization and heating above the glass transition temperature of PMMA, we obtained water-swollen hydrogel particles encapsulated in PMMA shells. These composite particles become hollow spheres after drying. We characterized the particles with both transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The TEM results confirmed that each sphere has a hollow core. The DLS results showed that our hollow spheres are submicron-sized, with a swelling ratio of at least 25%, and with a polydispersity less than 5%. We anticipate using this method in the near-future to encapsulate ferrofluid emulsion droplets and liquid crystal droplets.

Templated and template-free fabrication strategies for zero-dimensional hollow MOF superstructures.

PubMed

Kim, Hyehyun; Lah, Myoung Soo

2017-05-16

Various fabrication strategies for hollow metal-organic framework (MOF) superstructures are reviewed and classified using various types of external templates and their properties. Hollow MOF superstructures have also been prepared without external templates, wherein unstable intermediates obtained during reactions convert to the final hollow MOF superstructures. Many hollow MOF superstructures have been fabricated using hard templates. After the core-shell core@MOF structure was prepared using a hard template, the core was selectively etched to generate a hollow MOF superstructure. Another approach for generating hollow superstructures is to use a solid reactant as a sacrificial template; this method requires no additional etching process. Soft templates such as discontinuous liquid/emulsion droplets and gas bubbles in a continuous soft phase have also been employed to prepare hollow MOF superstructures.

Inter-wall bridging induced peeling of multi-walled carbon nanotubes during tensile failure in aluminum matrix composites.

PubMed

Chen, Biao; Li, Shufeng; Imai, Hisashi; Umeda, Junko; Takahashi, Makoto; Kondoh, Katsuyoshi

2015-02-01

In situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of a tensile test was performed to investigate the fracturing behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in powder metallurgy Al matrix composites. A multiple peeling phenomenon during MWCNT fracturing was clearly observed. Its formation mechanism and resultant effect on the composite strength were examined. Through transition electron microscopy characterizations, it was observed that defective structures like inter-wall bridges cross-linked adjacent walls of MWCNTs. This structure was helpful to improve the inter-wall bonding conditions, leading to the effective load transfer between walls and resultant peeling behaviors of MWCNTs. These results might provide new understandings of the fracturing mechanisms of carbon nanotube reinforcements for designing high-performance nanocomposites. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-performance supercapacitors based on hollow polyaniline nanofibers by electrospinning.

PubMed

Miao, Yue-E; Fan, Wei; Chen, Dan; Liu, Tianxi

2013-05-22

Hollow polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers with controllable wall thickness are fabricated by in situ polymerization of aniline using the electrospun poly(amic acid) fiber membrane as a template. A maximum specific capacitance of 601 F g(-1) has been achieved at 1 A g(-1), suggesting the potential application of hollow PANI nanofibers for supercapacitors. The superior electrochemical performance of the hollow nanofibers is attributed to their hollow structure, thin wall thickness, and orderly pore passages, which can drastically facilitate the ion diffusion and improve the utilization of the electroactive PANI during the charge-discharge processes. Furthermore, the high flexibility of the self-standing fiber membrane template provides possibilities for the facile construction and fabrication of conducting polymers with hollow nanostructures, which may find potential applications in various high-performance electrochemical devices.

High performance methanol-oxygen fuel cell with hollow fiber electrode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawson, Daniel D. (Inventor); Ingham, John D. (Inventor)

1983-01-01

A methanol/air-oxygen fuel cell including an electrode formed by open-ended ion-exchange hollow fibers having a layer of catalyst deposited on the inner surface thereof and a first current collector in contact with the catalyst layer. A second current collector external of said fibers is provided which is immersed along with the hollow fiber electrode in an aqueous electrolyte body. Upon passage of air or oxygen through the hollow fiber electrode and introduction of methanol into the aqueous electrolyte, a steady current output is obtained. Two embodiments of the fuel cell are disclosed. In the first embodiment the second metal electrode is displaced away from the hollow fiber in the electrolyte body while in the second embodiment a spiral-wrap electrode is provided about the outer surface of the hollow fiber electrode.

Mercury - the hollow planet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rothery, D. A.

2012-04-01

Mercury is turning out to be a planet characterized by various kinds of endogenous hole (discounting impact craters), which are compared here. These include volcanic vents and collapse features on horizontal scales of tens of km, and smaller scale depressions ('hollows') associated with bright crater-floor deposits (BCFD). The BCFD hollows are tens of metres deep and kilometres or less across and are characteristically flat-floored, with steep, scalloped walls. Their form suggests that they most likely result from removal of surface material by some kind of mass-wasting process, probably associated with volume-loss caused by removal (via sublimation?) of a volatile component. These do not appear to be primarily a result of undermining. Determining the composition of the high-albedo bluish surface coating in BCFDs will be a key goal for BepiColombo instruments such as MIXS (Mercury Imaging Xray Spectrometer). In contrast, collapse features are non-circular rimless pits, typically on crater floors (pit-floor craters), whose morphology suggests collapse into void spaces left by magma withdrawal. This could be by drainage of either erupted lava (or impact melt) or of shallowly-intruded magma. Unlike the much smaller-scale BCFD hollows, these 'collapse pit' features tend to lack extensive flat floors and instead tend to be close to triangular in cross-section with inward slopes near to the critical angle of repose. The different scale and morphology of BCFD hollows and collapse pits argues for quite different modes of origin. However, BCFD hollows adjacent to and within the collapse pit inside Scarlatti crater suggest that the volatile material whose loss was responsible for the growth of the hollows may have been emplaced in association with the magma whose drainage caused the main collapse. Another kind of volcanic collapse can be seen within a 25 km-wide volcanic vent outside the southern rim of the Caloris basin (22.5° N, 146.1° E), on a 28 m/pixel MDIS NAC image

Ultra-stiff large-area carpets of carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meysami, Seyyed Shayan; Dallas, Panagiotis; Britton, Jude; Lozano, Juan G.; Murdock, Adrian T.; Ferraro, Claudio; Gutierrez, Eduardo Saiz; Rijnveld, Niek; Holdway, Philip; Porfyrakis, Kyriakos; Grobert, Nicole

2016-06-01

Herewith, we report the influence of post-synthesis heat treatment (<=2350 °C and plasma temperatures) on the crystal structure, defect density, purity, alignment and dispersibility of free-standing large-area (several cm2) carpets of ultra-long (several mm) vertically aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes (VA-MWCNTs). VA-MWCNTs were produced in large quantities (20-30 g per batch) using a semi-scaled-up aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) setup. Electron and X-ray diffraction showed that the heat treatment at 2350 °C under inert atmosphere purifies, removes residual catalyst particles, and partially aligns adjacent single crystals (crystallites) in polycrystalline MWCNTs. The purification and improvement in the crystallites alignment within the MWCNTs resulted in reduced dispersibility of the VA-MWCNTs in liquid media. High-resolution microscopy revealed that the crystallinity is improved in scales of few tens of nanometres while the point defects remain largely unaffected. The heat treatment also had a marked benefit on the mechanical properties of the carpets. For the first time, we report compression moduli as high as 120 MPa for VA-MWCNT carpets, i.e. an order of magnitude higher than previously reported figures. The application of higher temperatures (arc-discharge plasma, >=4000 °C) resulted in the formation of a novel graphite-matrix composite reinforced with CVD and arc-discharge-like carbon nanotubes.Herewith, we report the influence of post-synthesis heat treatment (<=2350 °C and plasma temperatures) on the crystal structure, defect density, purity, alignment and dispersibility of free-standing large-area (several cm2) carpets of ultra-long (several mm) vertically aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes (VA-MWCNTs). VA-MWCNTs were produced in large quantities (20-30 g per batch) using a semi-scaled-up aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) setup. Electron and X-ray diffraction showed that the heat treatment at 2350 °C under

[Study on Hollow Brick Wall's Surface Temperature with Infrared Thermal Imaging Method].

PubMed

Tang, Ming-fang; Yin, Yi-hua

2015-05-01

To address the characteristic of uneven surface temperature of hollow brick wall, the present research adopts soft wares of both ThermaCAM P20 and ThermaCAM Reporter to test the application of infrared thermal image technique in measuring surface temperature of hollow brick wall, and further analyzes the thermal characteristics of hollow brick wall, and building material's impact on surface temperature distribution including hollow brick, masonry mortar, and so on. The research selects the construction site of a three-story-high residential, carries out the heat transfer experiment, and further examines the exterior wall constructed by 3 different hollow bricks including sintering shale hollow brick, masonry mortar and brick masonry. Infrared thermal image maps are collected, including 3 kinds of sintering shale hollow brick walls under indoor heating in winter; and temperature data of wall surface, and uniformity and frequency distribution are also collected for comparative analysis between 2 hollow bricks and 2 kinds of mortar masonry. The results show that improving heat preservation of hollow brick aid masonry mortar can effectively improve inner wall surface temperature and indoor thermal environment; non-uniformity of surface temperature decreases from 0. 6 to 0. 4 °C , and surface temperature frequency distribution changes from the asymmetric distribution into a normal distribution under the condition that energy-saving sintering shale hollow brick wall is constructed by thermal mortar replacing cement mortar masonry; frequency of average temperature increases as uniformity of surface temperature increases. This research provides a certain basis for promotion and optimization of hollow brick wall's thermal function.

Hollow spherical shell manufacture

DOEpatents

O'Holleran, Thomas P.

1991-01-01

A process for making a hollow spherical shell of silicate glass composition in which an aqueous suspension of silicate glass particles and an immiscible liquid blowing agent is placed within the hollow spherical cavity of a porous mold. The mold is spun to reduce effective gravity to zero and to center the blowing agent, while being heated so as to vaporize the immiscible liquid and urge the water carrier of the aqueous suspension to migrate into the body of the mold, leaving a green shell compact deposited around the mold cavity. The green shell compact is then removed from the cavity, and is sintered for a time and a temperature sufficient to form a silicate glass shell of substantially homogeneous composition and uniform geometry.

Enhanced graphitization of carbon around carbon nanotubes during the formation of carbon nanotube/graphite composites by pyrolysis of carbon nanotube/polyaniline composites.

PubMed

Nam, Dong Hoon; Cha, Seung Il; Jeong, Yong Jin; Hong, Soon Hyung

2013-11-01

The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are actively applied to the reinforcements for composite materials during last decade. One of the attempts is development of CNT/Carbon composites. Although there are some reports on the enhancement of mechanical properties by addition of CNTs in carbon or carbon fiber, it is far below the expectation. Considering the microstructure of carbon materials such as carbon fiber, the properties of them can be modified and enhanced by control of graphitization and alignment of graphene planes. In this study, enhanced graphitization of carbon has been observed the vicinity of CNTs during the pyrolysis of CNT/Polyaniline composites. As a result, novel types of composite, consisting of treading CNTs and coated graphite, can be fabricated. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed a specific orientation relationship between the graphene layers and the CNTs, with an angle of 110 degrees between the layers and the CNT axis. The possibility of graphene alignment control in the carbon by the addition of CNTs is demonstrated.

First-principles simulations on suspended coinage-metal nanotubes composed of different atomic species.

PubMed

Fa, Wei; Zhou, Jian; Dong, Jinming

2013-04-07

Substitutional doping of gold and copper atoms in a (4, 4) silver single-wall nanotube has been investigated using first-principles simulations. It is found that the Au- and Cu-substitutional doping of the tip-suspended (4, 4) Ag tube can maintain the hollow tubular structure at different alloy compositions due to the existence of a local minimum in the string tension variation with their unit cell lengths. The bonding energy differences between the mono-elements and hetero-elements and string tension may play important roles in suppressing the "self-purification" effects so that the nanoalloy tubes can be formed. Analysis of the band structure suggests that the number of conduction channels of the Ag-Au alloy tubes may lie between the pure (4, 4) Ag and Au tubes.

Hollow cathode, quasi-steady MPD arc

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parmentier, N.; Jahn, R. G.

1971-01-01

A quasi-steady MPD accelerator has been operated with four different hollow cathodes over a power range from 5 kilowatts to 5 megawatts. The absolute level of the argon mass flow, as well as the fractional division of the flow between the cathode and the six standard chamber injectors, is varied over a range of 1 to 12 grams per second. For a fixed total current, it is observed that the voltage increases monotonically with mass flow rate, compared to the usual experience with solid cathodes where the voltage decreases with mass flow rate. For a fixed percentage of flow through the cathode, each hollow cathode configuration displays a minimum impedance at a particular value of the total mass flow. It is asserted that in order to keep the discharge inside the hollow cathode the magnetic pressure and gasdynamic pressure have to match inside the cavity.

Working Toward Nanotube Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arepalli, Sivaram; Nikolaev, Pavel; Gorelik, Olga; Hadjiev, Victor G.; Scott, Carl D.; Files, Bradley S.

2001-01-01

One of the most attractive applications of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) is found in the area of structural materials. Nanotubes have a unique combination of high strength, modulus, and elongation to failure, and therefore have potential to significantly enhance the mechanical properties of today's composites. This is especially attractive for the aerospace industry looking for any chance to save weight. This is why NASA has chosen to tackle this difficult application of SWNT. Nanotube properties differ significantly from that of conventional carbon fibers, and a whole new set of problems, including adhesion and dispersion in the adhesive polymer matrix, must be resolved in order to engineer superior composite materials. From recent work on a variety of applications it is obvious that the wide range of research in nanotubes will lead to advances in physics, chemistry, and engineering. However, the possibility of ultralightweight structures is what causes dreamers to really get excited. One of the important issues in composite engineering is aspect ratio of the fibers, since it affects load transfer in composites. Nanotube length was a gray area for years, since they are formed in bundles, making it impossible to monitor individual nanotube length. Even though bundles are observed to be tens and hundreds of microns long, they can be built of relatively short tubes weakly bound by Van der Waals forces. Nanotube length can be affected by subsequent purification and ultrasound processing, which has been necessary in order to disperse nanotubes and introduce them into a polymer matrix. Some calculations show that nanotubes with 10(exp 5) aspect ratio may be necessary to achieve good load transfer. We show here that nanotubes produced in our laser system are as much as tens of microns long and get cut into lengths of hundreds of nanometers during ultrasound processing. Nanotube length was measured by AFM on pristine nanotube specimens as well, as after sonication

A novel approach for fabricating NiO hollow spheres for gas sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuang, Chengwei; Zeng, Wen; Ye, Hong; Li, Yanqiong

2018-03-01

Hollow spheres are usually fabricated by hard template methods or soft template methods with soft surfactants, which is quiet tedious and time-consuming. In this paper, NiO hollow spheres with fluffy surface were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method and subsequent calcination, where bubbles acted as the template. NiO hollow spheres exhibited excellent gas sensing performances, which results from its hollow structure and high specific surface area. In addition, a possible evolution mechanism of NiO hollow spheres was proposed based on experimental results.

Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyimide with Dispersed Functionalized Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lebron-Colon, Marisabel; Meador, Michael A.; Gaier, James R.; Sola, Francisco; Scheiman, Daniel A.; McCorkle, Linda S.

2010-01-01

Molecular pi-complexes were formed from pristine HiPCO single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and 1-pyrene- N-(4- N'-(5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxyimido)phenyl butanamide, 1. Polyimide films were prepared with these complexes as well as uncomplexed SWCNTs and the effects of nanoadditive addition on mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of these films were evaluated. Although these properties were enhanced by both nanoadditives, larger increases in tensile strength and thermal and electrical conductivities were obtained when the SWCNT/1 complexes were used. At a loading level of 5.5 wt %, the Tg of the polyimide increased from 169 to 197 C and the storage modulus increased 20-fold (from 142 to 3045 MPa). The addition of 3.5 wt % SWCNT/1 complexes increased the tensile strength of the polyimide from 61.4 to 129 MPa; higher loading levels led to embrittlement and lower tensile strengths. The electrical conductivities (DC surface) of the polyimides increased to 1 x 10(exp -4) Scm(exp -1) (SWCNT/1 complexes loading level of 9 wt %). Details of the preparation of these complexes and their effects on polyimide film properties are discussed.

Hollow Gaussian Schell-model beam and its propagation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Li-Gang; Wang, Li-Qin

2008-03-01

In this paper, we present a new model, hollow Gaussian Schell-model beams (HGSMBs), to describe the practical dark hollow beams. An analytical propagation formula for HGSMBs passing through a paraxial first-order optical system is derived based on the theory of coherence. Based on the derived formula, an application example showing the influence of spatial coherence on the propagation of beams is illustrated. It is found that the beam propagating properties of HGSMBs will be greatly affected by their spatial coherence. Our model provides a very convenient way for analyzing the propagation properties of partially coherent dark hollow beams.

Wear of carbon nanotubes grafted on carbon fibers and this influence on the properties of composites materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guignier, Claire; Bueno, Marie-Ange; Camillieri, Brigitte; Durand, Bernard

2017-10-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grafted on carbon surfaces can be used to reinforce composite materials. During an industrial process of CNTs production and composite processing, friction stresses will be applied on CNTs. This study showed that CNTs formed a transfer film under friction stresses and that the wear of the CNTs has no influence on the wettability of the surface, so we can predict no decrease in the properties of composites.

Carbon nanotube nanoelectrode arrays

DOEpatents

Ren, Zhifeng; Lin, Yuehe; Yantasee, Wassana; Liu, Guodong; Lu, Fang; Tu, Yi

2008-11-18

The present invention relates to microelectode arrays (MEAs), and more particularly to carbon nanotube nanoelectrode arrays (CNT-NEAs) for chemical and biological sensing, and methods of use. A nanoelectrode array includes a carbon nanotube material comprising an array of substantially linear carbon nanotubes each having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the carbon nanotubes are attached to a catalyst substrate material so as to form the array with a pre-determined site density, wherein the carbon nanotubes are aligned with respect to one another within the array; an electrically insulating layer on the surface of the carbon nanotube material, whereby the distal end of the carbon nanotubes extend beyond the electrically insulating layer; a second adhesive electrically insulating layer on the surface of the electrically insulating layer, whereby the distal end of the carbon nanotubes extend beyond the second adhesive electrically insulating layer; and a metal wire attached to the catalyst substrate material.

Characterization of a High Current, Long Life Hollow Cathode

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanNoord, Jonathan L.; Kamhawi, Hani; McEwen, Heather K.

2006-01-01

The advent of higher power spacecraft makes it desirable to use higher power electric propulsion thrusters such as ion thrusters or Hall thrusters. Higher power thrusters require cathodes that are capable of producing higher currents. One application of these higher power spacecraft is deep-space missions that require tens of thousands of hours of operation. This paper presents the approach used to design a high current, long life hollow cathode assembly for that application, along with test results from the corresponding hollow cathode. The design approach used for the candidate hollow cathode was to reduce the temperature gradient in the insert, yielding a lower peak temperature and allowing current to be produced more uniformly along the insert. The lower temperatures result in a hollow cathode with increased life. The hollow cathode designed was successfully operated at currents from 10 to 60 A with flow rates of 5 to 19 sccm with a maximum orifice temperature measured of 1100 C. Data including discharge voltage, keeper voltage, discharge current, flow rates, and orifice plate temperatures are presented.

Self-contained hot-hollow cathode gun source assembly

DOEpatents

Zeren, Joseph D.

1986-01-01

A self-contained hot-hollow cathode gun source assembly for use in a vacuum chamber includes a crucible block having a hot-hollow cathode gun mounted underneath and providing a hole for the magnetic deflection of the ion/electron beam into a crucible on top the block.

Self-contained hot-hollow cathode gun source assembly

DOEpatents

Zeren, J.D.

1984-08-01

A self-contained hot-hollow cathode gun source assembly for use in a vacuum chamber includes a crucible block having a hot-hollow cathode gun mounted underneath and providing a hole for the magnetic deflection of the ion/electron beam into a crucible on top the block.

Physical Processes in Hollow Cathode Discharge

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-01

State University. Finally, many thanks to my wife, Kyoung -Sook and my son, Frederick Teut, for their love and being supportive for two and half years...recommended for all electron emission purposes. 46 REFERENCES 1. Kim Gunther, "Hollow Cathode Plasma Source" ( Spectra-Mat Hollow Cathode Manual...59 Dong 401 Ho Seoul, Republic of Korea 8. Maj. Kim , Jong-Ryul 1 Postal Code 500-00 Book-Gu, Du-Am Dong, 874-14 Kwang-Ju, Republic of Korea 9. Maj

Extended test of a xenon hollow cathode for a space plasma contactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarver-Verhey, Timothy R.

1994-01-01

Implementation of a hollow cathode plasma contactor for charge control on the Space Station has required validation of long-life hollow cathodes. A test series of hollow cathodes and hollow cathode plasma contactors was initiated as part of the plasma contactor development program. An on-going wear-test of a hollow cathode has demonstrated cathode operation in excess of 4700 hours with small changes in operating parameters. The discharge experienced 4 shutdowns during the test, all of which were due to test facility failures or expellant replenishment. In all cases, the cathode was reignited at approximately 42 volts and resumed typical operation. This test represents the longest demonstrated stable operation of a high current (greater than 1A) xenon hollow cathode reported to date.

Surficial geology of Shaver Hollow, Shenandoah National Park

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morgan, Benjamin A.

1998-01-01

At the request of Shenandoah National Park and the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia, the US Geological Survey has completed an examination and map of the surficial deposits in Shaver Hollow. The work was carried out as part of the US Geological Survey - National Park Service cooperative agreement implemented in 1994. Shaver Hollow is a small, well defined drainage basin on the west slope of the Blue Ridge about 6.5 miles south of Thornton Gap and can be reached by trail from mile 37.9 on the Skyline Drive. The hollow is drained by the North Fork of Dry Run, and the watershed within the Shenandoah National park is only 2 square miles in area. The area has been the site of extensive investigations by faculty and students at the University of Virginia and by NPS scientists and investigators studying the interaction of atmosphere chemistry, water composition, and the biota of the hollow (Furman and others, written communication, 1997). Modeling of the chemistry of Dry Run surface water, based on atmospheric, biologic, and geologic data, has been attempted with limited success. Better understanding of the surficial deposits and the interaction of streams and springs with near surface materials is needed before more sophisticated models can be devised. Although the bedrock lithology was mapped at a small scale (1:62,000-scale; Gathright, 1976) no examination of the surficial deposits of the hollow was made. The description of deposits contained herein is based on field observations carried out in September - November, 1996. Also included with this report is a 1/12,000-scale map of the surficial geology of Shaver Hollow (figure 1).

Economic aspects of interlocking hollow brick system designed for industrialized building system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tahir, Mahmood Md.; Saggaff, Anis; Ngian, Shek Poi; Sulaiman, Arizu

2017-11-01

Construction industry has moved forward into a technology driven where a transition is in progress from conventional method to a more advanced and mechanised system known as the Industrialised Building System (IBS). However, the need to implement the IBS should be well understood by all construction players such as designer, architect, contraction, erectors and construction workers. Therefore, there is a need to educate all these construction players which should be spearheaded by authorities such as Construction Industrial Development Board where enforcement trough building by laws as well as initiative to those that adopt the IBS in their construction. This paper reports on economic aspects of using interlocking hollow brick system in construction as an alternative method offered for Industrialized Building System. The main objective is to address the economic aspects of using interlocking block system in terms of time, costs, and utilization of manpower and to present some of the experimental tests results related to Interlocking Hollow Brick System (IHBS). Example of savings from the use of IHBS is presented in this paper by comparing the construction of two storey terrace house with build-up area of about 200 square meter with conventional construction method of typical reinforced concrete construction (RCC) compared to IHBS. The comparison shows that the implementation of IHBS can reduce construction time, cost, and utilization of man power up to 26.6% compared to the conventional method. Moreover, the construction time using IHBS can also be reduced by up to 50% as compared to the conventional construction.

Study of distribution of Carbon nanotube in Al-CNT nanocomposite synthesized via Spark-Plasma sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maiti, A.; Laha, T.

2018-03-01

In the present study, first ever attempt has been made to develop physically functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced Al-11 5Si alloy nanocomposites synthesized via novel consolidation technique viz spark plasma sintering (SPS). There is a recent trend in employing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), an allotrope of carbon, as reinforcement for high strength structural metallic composite materials, as these cylindrical nano-fibers poses extremely unique mechanical properties such as very high elastic modulus (~ 300 GPa to 1.5 TPa) as well as tensile strength (~150 GPa). However, it has remained as an ever-existing problem to achieve a porosity-free nanocrystalline matrix with homogenously dispersed CNTs, owing to the very high coagulation tendency of CNTs. The gas-atomized, spherical Al-11.5Si alloy powders (1-8 μm) were subjected to high energy ball milling for the purpose of achieving nanocrystallinity in the powders. The improvement in MWCNT dispersion was effort by treating the MWCNTs with a physical surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The nano-grained ball-milled Al-Si powders with varying MWCNT content (0.5 and 1 wt%) were consolidated via spark plasma sintering in order to retain the nano-sized grains in the Al-Si matrix, attributed to the faster and highly effective sintering kinetics of the sintering techniques. FESEM study shows problem of MWCNT agglomeration persists by addition of non-SDS treated as pristine MWCNT in the composite. After treated with SDS, MWCNTs are well separated out from each other and as a result of that good morphological and mechanical property such as high hardness value obtained after analysis. Detailed TEM study of the 0.5wt% MWCNT reinforced SPS nanocomposite revealed that the distribution of CNTs in the matrix. Mechanical analysis study of the nanocomposite attributes higher hardness in case of SDS treated CNT reinforced nanocomposite owing to less agglomeration problem of the CNT in the matrix. Nano

Hollow spherical shell manufacture

DOEpatents

O'Holleran, T.P.

1991-11-26

A process is disclosed for making a hollow spherical shell of silicate glass composition in which an aqueous suspension of silicate glass particles and an immiscible liquid blowing agent is placed within the hollow spherical cavity of a porous mold. The mold is spun to reduce effective gravity to zero and to center the blowing agent, while being heated so as to vaporize the immiscible liquid and urge the water carrier of the aqueous suspension to migrate into the body of the mold, leaving a green shell compact deposited around the mold cavity. The green shell compact is then removed from the cavity, and is sintered for a time and a temperature sufficient to form a silicate glass shell of substantially homogeneous composition and uniform geometry. 3 figures.

Bending stresses in spherically hollow ball bearing and fatigue experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nypan, L. J.; Coe, H. H.; Parker, R. J.

1975-01-01

Spherically hollow balls of 21.7, 50.0, and 56.5 percent mass reduction were operated in ball bearings and in a five-ball fatigue tester with differing outcomes. Available theoretical and experimental treatments of stresses in spherically hollow balls are reviewed and compared. Bending stresses are estimated for these spherically hollow balls to better understand the differences in ball bearing and fatigue test experience.

Bending stresses in spherically hollow ball bearing and fatigue experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nypan, L. J.; Coe, H. H.; Parker, R. J.

1975-01-01

Spherically hollow balls of 21.7, 50.0 and 56.5 per cent mass reduction have been operated in ball bearings and in a 5-ball fatigue tester with differing outcomes. Available theoretical and experimental treatments of stresses in spherically hollow balls are reviewed and compared. Bending stresses are estimated for these spherically hollow balls to better understand the differences in ball bearing and fatigue test experience.

Novel self-sensing carbon nanotube-based composites for rehabilitation of structural steel members

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Shafique; Doshi, Sagar; Schumacher, Thomas; Thostenson, Erik T.; McConnell, Jennifer

2016-02-01

Fatigue and fracture are among the most critical forms of damage in metal structures. Fatigue damage can initiate from microscopic defects (e.g., surface scratches, voids in welds, and internal defects) and initiate a crack. Under cyclic loading, these cracks can grow and reach a critical level to trigger fracture of the member which leads to compromised structural integrity and, in some cases, catastrophic failure of the entire structure. In our research, we are investigating a solution using carbon nanotube-based sensing composites, which have the potential to simultaneously rehabilitate and monitor fatigue-cracked structural members. These composites consist of a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) layer and a carbon nanotube-based sensing layer, which are integrated to form a novel structural self-sensing material. The sensing layer is composed of a non-woven aramid fabric that is coated with carbon nanotubes (CNT) to form an electrically conductive network that is extremely sensitive to detecting deformation as well as damage accumulation via changes in the resistance of the CNT network. In this paper, we introduce the sensing concept, describe the manufacturing of a model sensing prototype, and discuss a set of small-scale laboratory experiments to examine the load-carrying capacity and damage sensing response.

Quartz antenna with hollow conductor

DOEpatents

Leung, Ka-Ngo; Benabou, Elie

2002-01-01

A radio frequency (RF) antenna for plasma ion sources is formed of a hollow metal conductor tube disposed within a glass tube. The hollow metal tubular conductor has an internal flow channel so that there will be no coolant leakage if the outer glass tube of the antenna breaks. A portion of the RF antenna is formed into a coil; the antenna is used for inductively coupling RF power to a plasma in an ion source chamber. The antenna is made by first inserting the metal tube inside the glass tube, and then forming the glass/metal composite tube into the desired coil shape.

Method and apparatus for producing small hollow spheres

DOEpatents

Hendricks, Charles D.

1979-01-01

Method and apparatus for producing small hollow spheres of glass, metal or plastic, wherein the sphere material is mixed with or contains as part of the composition a blowing agent which decomposes at high temperature (T.gtoreq.600.degree. C.). As the temperature is quickly raised, the blowing agent decomposes and the resulting gas expands from within, thus forming a hollow sphere of controllable thickness. The thus produced hollow spheres (20 to 10.sup.3 .mu.m) have a variety of application, and are particularly useful in the fabrication of targets for laser implosion such as neutron sources, laser fusion physics studies, and laser initiated fusion power plants.

Use of Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes for Covalent Attachment of Nanotubes to Silicon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tour, James M.; Dyke, Christopher A.; Maya, Francisco; Stewart, Michael P.; Chen, Bo; Flatt, Austen K.

2012-01-01

The purpose of the invention is to covalently attach functionalized carbon nanotubes to silicon. This step allows for the introduction of carbon nanotubes onto all manner of silicon surfaces, and thereby introduction of carbon nano - tubes covalently into silicon-based devices, onto silicon particles, and onto silicon surfaces. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) dispersed as individuals in surfactant were functionalized. The nano - tube was first treated with 4-t-butylbenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate to give increased solubility to the carbon nanotube; the second group attached to the sidewall of the nanotube has a silyl-protected terminal alkyne that is de-protected in situ. This gives a soluble carbon nanotube that has functional groups appended to the sidewall that can be attached covalently to silicon. This reaction was monitored by UV/vis/NJR to assure direct covalent functionalization.

Fox Hollow Research Natural Area: guidebook supplement 44

Treesearch

Reid Schuller

2013-01-01

This guidebook describes Fox Hollow Research Natural Area (RNA), a 66-ha (163-ac) area that supports dry-site Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)–ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest within the Oregon Coast Range ecoregion. Major forest plant associations represented at Fox Hollow RNA include Douglas-fir/salal/western...

Mass balancing of hollow fan blades

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kielb, R. E.

1986-01-01

A typical section model is used to analytically investigate the effect of mass balancing as applied to hollow, supersonic fan blades. A procedure to determine the best configuration of an internal balancing mass to provide flutter alleviation is developed. This procedure is applied to a typical supersonic shroudless fan blade which is unstable in both the solid configuration and when it is hollow with no balancing mass. The addition of an optimized balancing mass is shown to stabilize the blade at the design condition.

Preparation and photocatalytic activity of nitrogen-doped TiO2 hollow nanospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Hyung-Joon; Hwang, Poong-Gok; Jung, Dongwoon

2011-12-01

TiO2 hollow nanospheres were prepared using silicon oxide as a template. N-doped titanium oxide hollow spheres, TiO2-xNx were synthesized by reacting TiO2 hollow spheres with thiourea at 500 °C. XRD and XPS data showed that oxygen was successfully substituted by nitrogen through the nitrogen-doping reaction, and finally N-doped TiO2 hollow spheres were formed. The N-doped TiO2 hollow spheres showed new absorption shoulder in visible light region so that they were expected to exhibit photocatalytic activity in the visible light. The photocatalytic activity of N-doped TiO2 hollow spheres under visible light was similar to that of normal spherical TiO2-xNx in spite of the structural difference.

Fe2O3 hollow sphere nanocomposites for supercapacitor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yu; Wen, Yang; Xu, Bing; Lu, Lu; Ren, Reiming

2018-02-01

Nanomaterials have attracted increasing interest in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Hollow sphere Fe2O3 nanocomposites were successfully prepared through facile low temperature water-bath method with carbon sphere as hard template. The morphology and microstructure of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. Through hydrolysis mechanism, using ferric chloride direct hydrolysis, iron hydroxide coated on the surface of carbon sphere, after high temperature calcination can form the hollow spherical iron oxide materials. Electrochemical performances of the hollow sphere Fe2O3 nanocomposites electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammery (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge. The Pure hollow sphere Fe2O3 nanocomposites achieves a specific capacitance of 125 F g-1 at the current density of 85 mA g-1. The results indicate that the uniform dispersion of hollow ball structure can effectively reduce the particle reunion in the process of charging and discharging.

Liquid molded hollow cell core composite articles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernetich, Karl R. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

A hollow core composite assembly 10 is provided, including a hollow core base 12 having at least one open core surface 14, a bondable solid film 22 applied to the open core surface 14, at least one dry face ply 30 laid up dry and placed on top of the solid film 22, and a liquid resin 32 applied to the at least one dry face ply 30 and then cured.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs), as a Novel Sorbent for Determination of Mercury in Air

PubMed Central

Golbabaei, Farideh; Ebrahimi, Ali; Shirkhanloo, Hamid; Koohpaei, Alireza; Faghihi-Zarandi, Ali

2016-01-01

Background: Based on the noticeable toxicity and numerous application of mercury in industries, removal of mercury vapor through sorbent is an important environmental challenge. Purpose of the Study: Due to their highly porous and hollow structure, large specific surface area, light mass density and strong interaction, Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) sorbent were selected for this investigation. Methods: In this study, instrumental conditions, method procedure and different effective parameters such as adsorption efficiency, desorption capacity, time, temperature and repeatability as well as retention time of adsorbed mercury were studied and optimized. Also, mercury vapor was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). Obtained data were analyzed by Independent T- test, Multivariate linear regression and one way–ANOVA finally. Results: For 80 mg nanotubes, working range of SWCNT were achieved 0.02-0.7 μg with linear range (R2=0.994). Our data revealed that maximum absorption capacity was 0.5 μg g-1 as well as limit of detection (LOD) for studied sorbent was 0.006 μg. Also, optimum time and temperature were reported, 10 min and 250 °C respectively. Retention time of mercury on CNTs for three weeks was over 90%. Results of repeated trials indicated that the CNTs had long life, so that after 30 cycles of experiments, efficiency was determined without performance loss. Conclusion: Results showed that carbon nanotubes have high potential for efficient extraction of mercury from air and can be used for occupational and environmental purposes. The study of adsorption properties of CNTs is recommended. PMID:26925918

Energy-dependent expansion of .177 caliber hollow-point air gun projectiles.

PubMed

Werner, Ronald; Schultz, Benno; Bockholdt, Britta; Ekkernkamp, Axel; Frank, Matthias

2017-05-01

Amongst hundreds of different projectiles for air guns available on the market, hollow-point air gun pellets are of special interest. These pellets are characterized by a tip or a hollowed-out shape in their tip which, when fired, makes the projectiles expand to an increased diameter upon entering the target medium. This results in an increase in release of energy which, in turn, has the potential to cause more serious injuries than non-hollow-point projectiles. To the best of the authors' knowledge, reliable data on the terminal ballistic features of hollow-point air gun projectiles compared to standard diabolo pellets have not yet been published in the forensic literature. The terminal ballistic performance (energy-dependent expansion and penetration) of four different types of .177 caliber hollow-point pellets discharged at kinetic energy levels from approximately 3 J up to 30 J into water, ordnance gelatin, and ordnance gelatin covered with natural chamois as a skin simulant was the subject of this investigation. Energy-dependent expansion of the tested hollow-point pellets was observed after being shot into all investigated target media. While some hollow-point pellets require a minimum kinetic energy of approximately 10 J for sufficient expansion, there are also hollow-point pellets which expand at kinetic energy levels of less than 5 J. The ratio of expansion (RE, calculated by the cross-sectional area (A) after impact divided by the cross-sectional area (A 0 ) of the undeformed pellet) of hollow-point air gun pellets reached values up of to 2.2. The extent of expansion relates to the kinetic energy of the projectile with a peak for pellet expansion at the 15 to 20 J range. To conclude, this work demonstrates that the hollow-point principle, i.e., the design-related enlargement of the projectiles' frontal area upon impact into a medium, does work in air guns as claimed by the manufacturers.